Michigan’s Surprising Favorite Aphrodisiac

An aphrodisiac is defined as any substance or food that heightens sexual desire and enhances intimate experiences. According to the American Museum of Natural History, people throughout history have been getting creative with their food choices to set the mood.

Fashion Nova embarked on a quest to discover the most popular aphrodisiacs in each state, alongside determining the overall top favorites. Their findings were based on analyzing Google Trends data from the past 12 months, revealing the aphrodisiacs that piqued the curiosity of each state.

In Michigan, cherries reign supreme as the state fruit. However, cherries are not just reserved for pies and cobblers. They are also celebrated for their sensual properties, according to Fashion Nova. They said cherries have high levels of antioxidants and melatonin. Some even believe that these little red aphrodisiacs can work wonders in boosting libido and improving sexual function. In fact, MyAphrodisiacs.com, a site dedicated to delicacies and aphrodisiacs, said that the potassium in cherries can help produce hormones that are sexual in nature.

In the nation's capital, they found champagne to be a popular aphrodisiac. Some say that this bubbly beverage increases blood flow and enhances mood, making it a popular choice for couples seeking to add a little sparkle to their date night.

Also revealed in the study is the most popular aphrodisiac reigning across the United States. It’s none other than vanilla. Surprisingly, this sweet and familiar flavor takes the lead in 14 states.

Coming in second place is honey, with six states showing a preference for this sticky and natural aphrodisiac. Some states are turning to pumpkin for a twist in the bedroom. Five states can't seem to get enough of this versatile veggie or fruit, depending on whom you ask.

See what else the study has to say about food and aphrodisiacs here. Eat Something Sexy, a site specializing in the connection between food and sexual health, also cites vanilla, cherries, champagne, honey and pumpkin are aphrodisiacs.

Have you ever tried a fragrance and thought to yourself, "Wow, this smells awful?" Then you wonder why and how anyone would ever enjoy that smell. Just like our sense of taste, smells are based on preference. For example, your friend may like the smell of corpse flowers (the worst-smelling flower in the world) and burnt hair while you like the smell of roses and bonfires. 

"Most people assume we all like the smell of roses and hate the smell of skunk... with the exception of irritating odors, smell is something we come to know from personal and cultural experiences." noted lead researcher Rachel Herz, PhD, in a 2005 Brown University study.

Alan R Hirsch, the founder and neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment & Research Foundation, explained to NPR that “the factors that influence our sense of smell are actually a combination of cultural, genetic, and environmental factors.”

There are certain smells that almost everyone loves. From the new car smell (which may not be good for you) and freshly baked bread to Sharpies and gasoline. People enjoy a variety of aromas and find some more pleasant than others. The scents we smell can change our moods and emotions. Sometimes, it can even bring us back to long-forgotten events and memories.

Here are 10 unusual smells most people enjoy.

It could be due to its association with nail salons. It's where many people find a moment of relaxation.

Should you thank their hair care routine for this? Or maybe you’re a fan of their pheromones? Let's just call it a chemically compatible match.

Some people enjoy the smell of recycled rubber, glue, and a slight hint of petroleum.

It's probably not because it can make you high. It may have more to do with nostalgia. Sharpies and markers tend to smell like childhood to some people.

It makes sense that some people like the smell of chlorine. Most people are reminded of memories by the pool. Or maybe an abundance of laundry.

It may be something with the smell combination of fresh paper and book adhesive, mixed with the excitement of getting a new book.

Do you ever catch a whiff of yourself and actually don't mind it? Maybe, it's because it's your own scent. Some studies show that we've adapted to like our own odors, to help us maintain proper hygiene.

It has that "cold" smell that’s similar to when the AC blows in the car.

Some people like it because it "smells like the country.” The smell is supposedly associated with fresh air and fields of farmland.

Someone loved this scent so much that they created a crowdfunding site for a candle that "always smells like it's not actually burning while it’s burning." They described the smell as a "warm, smoky aroma."