Food, Love & Romance

Food, Love & Romance

A story by Fareehah Jay

We always think of food for sustenance and pleasure. However, we need to realise that food can be the bases for building relationships which may also involve intimacy and attraction.

We usually try to impress people with food. Food cooked with effort and love solidifies social bonds. Society has given meaning to foods; certain foods may also signify love and intimacy. It is a powerful way of creating a connection and expression of love. When food is made with love, it is believed that people eating it feel that love. It is not just for lovers; food can also express love for family and friends. We have all heard the famous quote that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Love is usually shared through food. There are many ways to say "I love you"; one is through a meal. A romantic mood is usually set up over a meal.

All over the world, specific fruits and vegetables express love, romance, and desire. The plus point is that they are nutritious as well. We will review some foods associated with love and find out how nutritious they are. 

5 Foods Celebrating Love

Strawberries

Strawberries being heart-shaped and red, were a symbol for the Goddess of love; in Ancient Rome, legend has it that when two people split a strawberry, they would fall in love. Strawberries have vitamin C, manganese, folate and potassium and have beneficial plant compounds called anthocyanins.

Figs

In ancient Greek times, figs were considered a symbol of fertility and therefore considered a love fruit. Figs are a high-fibre source and promote digestion, but they are also rich in copper and vitamin B6.

Chocolate

Having chocolate will uplift anyone's mood and has a huge physiological and emotional effect. It has always been used to express one's love for the other. Dark chocolate has high concentrations of cocoa, which have potent antioxidants the flavanols. One of the fantastic facts about dark chocolate is that it is also a source of fibre; many of you would not have thought so.

Pomegranate

The pomegranate is held sacred by many world religions; however, it is also considered a symbol of love. It stems from the belief that Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, planted the first pomegranate tree, and the Greeks started thinking of the pomegranate as a symbol of love. Pomegranate contains antioxidants and many nutrients, including vitamin C, folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Nuts

Nuts symbolise joy, love, and happiness. Usually, love is associated with hazelnuts, almonds, and chestnuts; however, all nuts are great. 30 g of nuts is recommended, and you can surely enjoy eating them with your loved ones. Nuts are a source of fibre, vitamin E, selenium and many more micronutrients.

Romantic Meal

The right kind of meal can make it much more special and romantic. Think of having a multi-course meal. Include carbohydrates such as pasta or rice with chicken, fish, or tofu. Include a variety of vegetables in the starter and the main meal for vibrance and colour, followed by a homemade dessert.