Apple Benefits & Aphrodisiac History

The aphrodisiac history of apples

Ah, the apple, the temptation of Eve – the downfall in the Garden of Eden. But then, what pretty girl could ever pass up a shiny, lipstick red, orchard-fresh fruit of the gods?

Like Eve, the ancient Greeks loved apples. Instead of slipping a ring onto a fair maiden’s finger, a Greek warrior was supposed to toss an apple to the–ah–apple of his eye. If she caught the fruit, the act was as good as an engagement.

Want a mouthwatering alternative to apple pie? Try our Apple Bread Pudding recipe. 

Apples in cultures around the world

But apples were not just a fruit of temptation in biblical references and Greek mythology. The historic link between apples and love was celebrated throughout the world. Even in Hindu culture, apples were used in games of love. According to Marilyn Ekdahl Ravicz’s Erotic Cuisine, a combination of thorn apples, black pepper, honey and long pepper was at one time used as an ointment. The sticky and fragrant mixture was thought to render the wearer irresistible.

In Medieval England, an autumnal celebration centered around the fermented fruit of the apple tree and the almost Bacchanalian merriment that would ensue. (The supposed purpose was to ensure a bountiful harvest, or so the story goes.)

Want to experience some Bacchanalian merriment? Try this Apple Pie Moonshine.

Some of the most remarkable apple benefits

The flavor of a great apple is as satisfying as a delicious, juicy candy. But don’t let this fool you. These autumn fruits are superfoods wrapped in delicate skins. The benefits of apples are many. High in antioxidants, their free radical-fighting power boosts natural anti-aging abilities while helping to fight cancer.

And although apples deliver a jolt of sweetness, they aren’t among the foods to give you a sugar high, then a crash. You see, apple benefits include a high pectin content. This helps to keep a sugar rush at bay, preventing the hyper high and depressing crash experienced from eating less healthy sweets. (Learn more about choosing the right sugars.)

Additional apple benefits include vitamin C and potassium, both nutrients important to supporting your sexual health. According to WebMD, apples also so potential in supporting brain health. And they offer support to your immune system and gut health.

And in case you’re wondering about that urban legend that eating apple seeds will kill you? Eating the seeds of your apple isn’t going to hurt you. Yes, it’s true that the seeds of apples contain trace amounts of chemicals that will produce cyanide in your body. But you would have to eat approximately 150 seeds in one go to experience apple poisoning. (This obviously isn’t what got Snow White!) And since the seeds of your apple contain protein and fiber, eating the seeds of a single apple actually has the potential to add to the apple’s nutritional benefits.

Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods