the aphrodisiac history of shrimp

Famed French mistress Madame DuBarry served her shrimp in Champagne sauce. Casanova’s traveling companion, Agnolo Torredano, said of shrimp that it was the “food of life that makes it possible for this cold, old body to still enjoy the heat of passion.” Even the United States has a salacious history with shrimp. Spicy shrimp gumbo has long been the aphrodisiac stew of the American South.

Shrimp provide iodine, which is essential to the thyroid gland and basal metabolism. Iodine deficiency has been documented as reducing sex drive. Like many forms of seafood, they offer omega-3 fatty acids - great for circulation and vital in the battle against aging. Shrimp also offer a serving of iron and zinc. Best of all, shrimp protein breaks down in the body to the amino acid phenylalanine, proven to increase levels of sex drive-boosting neurotransmitters in the brain.