Is sushi an aphrodisiac?
According to Greek mythology, all fruits of the sea are the playthings of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. In other words, according to the ancient Greeks, all seafood is aphrodisiac.
Sushi can take many forms. But what we eat in the Western World begins with vinegared rice and generally incorporates seaweed or fish/shellfish or both.
There isn’t any formal research to support it, but many sushi lovers believe that the sensual pleasure of slippery, cool fish over perfectly cooked rice can be a prelude to the bedroom lambada. To my knowledge, nobody has performed a clinical study on sushi and sex yet.
Sushi benefits to sexual health
So although I can’t point you to any long history of sushi as Japan’s aphrodisiac – or even modern folklore of sushi and sex around the globe, I can fill you in on why you might want to plan a romantic dinner that involves this traditional, Japanese treat.
Sushi health benefits vary, depending on what you’re serving. But many of the ingredients you’re likely to enjoy offer a variety of nutritional benefits.
Both fish and seaweed boast nutrition that adds to the legend of their aphrodisiac powers. Oily fish, like salmon or tuna, provide Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3’s are not only associated with their ability to elevate mood but they’re also associated with heart health. (And to be a good lover, you need to make sure your heart keeps your blood pumping!)
In addition, many seafoods including popular sushi items like crab and shrimp, offer zinc, not to mention the protein needed for sustained energy. Seaweed, the dark green wrapper enveloping sushi rolls, is an excellent source of vitamin E. And E is known as “the sex vitamin.”
RELATED: Seaweed Aphrodisiac History & Nutrition
Other ingredients that might come wrapped in a sushi roll, like avocado, asparagus and shiitake mushrooms are also not only considered aphrodisiac but offer nutrients that can support sexual health.
The added benefits of ginger & wasabi
But there is proof that sushi’s accompaniments offer powerful, aphrodisiac benefits. Both ginger and wasabi are considered “warming” ingredients for their ability to raise body temperature and bring an attractive flush to the cheeks. In potent enough doses, they can even cause your body to release endorphins. In fact, I put ginger so high on the list of potent aphrodisiac foods that it is one of the twelve ingredients I feature in my first book, Fork Me, Spoon Me: the sensual cookbook.
Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.
Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.
Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.
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Thank you for pointing out that sushi’s nutritional benefits, such as those offered by fish and seaweed, support the myth that these foods have aphrodisiac properties. My friend enjoys sushi a lot. After reading your post regarding sushi’s excellent nutrition, I’ll give my pal some for his birthday.