Cherry an aphrodisiac

The word cherry refers to both the tree and the fleshy fruit (drupe) that contains a single stony seed. The cherry belongs to the family Rosaceae, genus Prunus, along with almonds, peaches, plums, apricots and bird cherries. The subgenus, Cerasus, is distinguished by having the flowers in small corymbs of several together (not singly, nor in racemes), and by having a smooth fruit with only a weak groove or none along one side. The subgenus is native to the artic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with two species in America, three in Europe, and the remainder in Asia. The word "cherry" comes from the French word "cerise," which comes in turn from the Latin words “cerasum” and “Cerasus”. Dating as far back as 300 B.C., cherries were valued over the centuries for taste as well as beauty. Historically, the fruit was also thought to be both an aphrodisiac and an analgesic, able to relieve the pain of gout and arthritis, hence the stories of old men seeking young brides with "lips like cherries."

Cherries have been shown to have several health benefits which perhaps contribute to its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Cherries are a significant source of potassium, and contain vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, iron, folate and selenium. The fruit also contains several phytonutrients that research suggests may help fight cancer. One such compound, perillyl alcohol, binds to protein molecules to inhibit cancer’s growth signals. Another is anthocyanins, which is the red pigment in berries. Cherry anthocyanins have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants that isolate certain destructive by-products of metabolism and usher them safely from the body.

Cherries have also been shown to contain high levels of melatonin. Research has shown that people who have heart attacks have low melatonin levels. Besides being an anti-oxidant, melatonin has also been shown to be important for the function of the immune system. Research also indicates that melatonin suppresses COX-2. There is considerable interest at present in the use of fresh cherries or cherry juice to treat gout - a painful inflammatory joint condition.

The slang term cherry is used to refer to “virginity” or the “hymen”, hence the expression “pop their cherry” which can be a reference to the destruction of hymen during the act of sexual intercourse.

Cherry flavors and aromas have also been used in several products which can also include sexual enhancers and paraphernalia such as cherry flavored condoms, cherry scented candles oils and perfumes, cherry flavored sexual enhancing drinks or pills, etc. In addition to this, cherries are also added as ingredient to many aphrodisiac themed recipes.

These delectable fruits are said to arouse desire, and thought to be a strong aphrodisiac for women in particular. Red, ripe cherries are pleasurable eaten freshly washed or plucked out of a bowl of its own juices. This sensuous liquid can also be used to moisten lips, nipples and other body parts for licking clean. You don't have to prepare anything fancy in the kitchen: just have a cherry rubbed up and down your body, then fed to your partner slowly. Dip in dark chocolate for a more tasty revelation and sensual treat.