Food and sexuality

Food and sexualityhave been associated in various ways throughout history. Foods such aschocolateandoystersare said to beaphrodisiacs.In someculturesanimaltesticlesand other items are consumed to increase sexual potency.Food items also providesymbolism, such as thebiblical"forbidden fruit" or thecherrywith its associations related tovirginity. Food items are also used metaphorically inslangsexualterminologyandpoetry. Some foods are considered sensual for their appearance, texture and taste.Whipped cream, melted chocolate,jam, miso, cake batter, pies, andpeanut butterare sometimes used for intimate titillation in an act known assploshing. The relationship between food and sex has also been explored in books andcinema.
The connection between food and sexuality has been explored in various art works. A 1998 art show,Reflect, an exhibition of works byMonali Meherexplored connections and themes includingvoyeurism,stereotypes,consumerism,freedomandadvertising.A display of food and sex related artworks from 19th- and 20th-century American artists was one of 16 concept groupings at aNew York Historical Societyshow in 1991.
Tasting food, tasting freedomby Sidney Wilfred Mintz includes essays taking "an anthropological view of food, including its relationship to power, freedom, and purity."Food and Sexis also a chapter inBreaking the food seductionby Neal D. Barnard, Joanne Stepaniak.and a topic discussed inWomen's conflicts about eating and sexualityby Rosalyn M. Meadow and Lillie Weiss.
Although some foods do qualify as aphrodisiacs, and chocolate has been thought to be an aphrodisiac for many years, there is some controversy surrounding whether it truly is an aphrodisiac. A study conducted by Salonia et al. (2006)evaluated the sexual function of women who reported that they ate chocolate daily, and women who reported they did not eat chocolate. The study concluded that once scores were adjusted for age, there were no significant differences in the sexual arousal, satisfaction, desire or distress of those who ate chocolate daily and those who did not. This illustrates that the consumption of chocolate has no effect on sexual function. Likewise, Shamloul (2010)concluded that there is little scientific evidence suggesting that natural aphrodisiacs are an effective method of enhancing sexual desire or performance, nor are they an effective treatment of sexual dysfunction. 
On the contrary, some studies suggest that chocolate is an aphrodisiac and claim that its chemical components such as phenylethylamine, causes an increase in pleasure and sexual drive and N-acylethanolamines, causes an increase in sensitivity and euphoria (Afoakwa, E. 2008).Other studies suggest it is the flavinoids and serotonin found in chocolate that regulate vasoconstriction and dilation and increase female genital functioning, and thus sexual functioning (Shamloul, 2010).Due to these conflicting views, and the lack of scientific evidence currently available, it is clear that firm conclusions cannot be drawn on whether chocolate is an aphrodisiac.
The moviesTampopo,9½ Weeks,Chocolat,Like Water for Chocolate,Eat Drink Man Woman, andBabette's Feastare among those exploring the relationship. The filmTom Jonescontains a notable eating scene.
Songs that feature metaphors of food for sex include "Les sucettes" (1966), "Le Banana Split" (1979), "Peaches & Cream" (2001) and "Lollipop" (2008). The cover of theHerb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass1965 albumWhipped Cream and Other Delightsfamously features a woman covered in whipped cream.
In the movieAmerican Pie, a young adult engages in simulated intercourse with a pie.Carl's Junioradvertisements have featured a scantily cladParis Hiltonrapturously eating one of the company's burger offerings.
Some foods are symbolic or act as metaphors for body parts involved in sexual relations. Common examples includeeggplant,bananas,zucchiniandcucumbersasphallicsymbols, andpeachesas vaginal symbols.Melonshave a similar use and are sometimes used as stand-ins for breasts, as in the firstAustin Powersmovie, where they are used to cover upElizabeth Hurley'schest.