the aphrodisiac power 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.
A little further south – in the Caribbean – however, the application of shrimp as an aphrodisiac is a little more unusual. There exists a rumor that in some Caribbean cultures it is believed that eating shrimp during sex doubles the pleasure.
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.
Unfortunately,the practice of trawling for shrimp, (a popular method for catching these little sea monkeys), accounts for the world’s highest levels of bycatch, (additional sea creatures accidentally scooped up in the shrimp nets). As a result of trawling off the Gulf of Mexico and Thai shores, thousands of endangered sea turtles have been killed, causing a call to action among lawmakers. The likely outcome is a reduction in supply of shrimp on the worldwide market as well as a jump in price for what is now one of the most common foods of the sea. This is likely to increase shrimp’s aphrodisiac allure as it becomes more of a pricey, exotic treat.
