Sometimes after Christmas and all its indulgences it can be hard to get in the romantic mood for Valentine’s Day especially if you feel that you are still carrying a few extra pounds…The shops are already filling with chocolate not just for Valentines but for Easter too. So why not look at some foods that are both healthy and can act as an aphrodisiac – some of them might surprise you, it’s not all about Oysters!
Red Wine – according to the University of Florence, women who drank moderate amounts of red wine had higher levels of sexual desire than those that preferred alternative alcoholic/non-alcoholic drinks. The theory behind this is that there are chemical compounds in red wine that increase blood flow to key areas of the body.
Oily Fish – oily fish such as mackerel or salmon also boost blood flow to sexual organs and they impact the hormones. Often these types of fish also contain zinc which is important for testosterone production.
Asparagus – if your physical appearance hampers your desire to get naked then asparagus is the thing for you. It acts as a diuretic and reduces bloating. It is also rich in Vitamin E which stimulates sex hormones.
Pumpkin Seeds – are also packed with zinc which is needed for both men and women’s sex drives. You could add them to meals like stir fry’s or just have them as a healthy snack in between meals.
Coffee – in today’s world where we are trying to juggle jobs, money, children etc. tiredness can be the only thing wrong with our love lives. The caffeine in coffee can act as a short term stimulant leaving you awake enough to be interested in having sex. Studies have also shown that caffeine can stimulate the brain that regulates arousal in females.
Porridge Oats – this is another good option if tiredness is a problem, porridge is a low GI food meaning it keeps you full for longer and provides sustainable energy, so start the day with porridge for breakfast and you are less likely to be flagging in the evening.
Soya – if you are suffering with menopausal symptoms then upping your intake of soya could help to reduce some libido killers like hot flushes. This is because they have naturally occurring phytoestrogens called isoflavones which is similar to oestrogen.
Garlic – yes not what you immediately think of for a night of passion, but it is a good addition to men and women’s diets on a regular basis, one of its many health benefits is boosting blood flow to sexual organs and a small study did show improvement for men experiencing impotency. Garlic capsules may be preferable to eating 4 cloves a day!
Passion killers are fatty food that can restrict blood flow and leave us feeling heavy and tired. Excess alcohol, one drink will relax you but three is likely to just make you tired and uninterested in sex. And an erratic diet tends to make you feel unattractive and unhappy with your body. In contrast a healthy diet makes you feel vibrant and in control of your life and more attractive.
Ref: Healthy Food Guide
Tweet