I'm pretty sure that there isn't any scientific basis for one of the oldest known food's being an aphrodisiac. However, I do believe that it's seductive power is the power of suggestion. By pulling back the leaves one by one, you're undressing the artichoke, and you have to work hard to get at what you really want -- the artichoke's heart, that's been playing hard to get under the prickly "choke."
Of course, artichokes have health benefits. Artichokes are a good source of fiber, potassium, and magnesium. The artichoke is a natural diuretic, a digestive aid, and provides nutrition to health-promoting bacteria in the intestinal tract.
And hey, there is nothing sexier than health-promoting bacteria in your intestines, baby.
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