Culinary aphrodisiacs to put you in the mood
Who would have thought that you could actually eat your way to a spicier love life? For centuries certain foods have been touted as passion arousing. It’s a clear win-win because most edible aphrodisiacs turn up the heat in more ways than one; they pack a powerhouse of nutrients as well. Fantastic mood elevators, these foods keep you fit and up your serotonin levels to make you feel happy, positive and sexy.
Almonds
Through the ages, almonds have been cherished as fertility symbols. Poets have long believed almonds kindle passionate feelings in women. Get your daily dose of this feisty nutrient-dense nut that contains several trace minerals reputed to improve sexual health, such as zinc, selenium and vitamin E.
Asparagus
Widely touted as a lust inducing food, in 19th century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the sexy spears. Even today this saucy stalk ranks high on the preference of passionate couples. What’s more, it’s a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamins A, B3, B6 C and folic acid.
Bananas
A great source of ready sugar that provides an instant jolt of energy, the fruit is also choc-a-bloc with vitamin B6 that helps to balance hormones and stimulates the production of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. An ideal food for long nights of passion.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are a great source of selenium, a vital vitamin to keep sperm cells healthy according to the American Dietetic Association. Also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects sperms from free radical damage and increases motility Get your daily dose from a handful or chop them into your cereal.
Chilies
The band Red hot Chili Peppers knew what they were on about. Capsaicin, the substance that gives chills their heat also release endorphins another ‘feel good’ hormone necessary to spice up your sex life.
Chocolate
The king of natural aphrodisiacs, pure chocolate contains several feel good compounds including PEA (phenylethylamine), the ‘love chemical’, responsible for releasing dopamine in the brain. PEA induces feelings of excitement and attraction. Biting into a creamy bar of your fave snack never felt so good.
Honey
Now you know where how the term ‘honeymoon’ was coined. Hundreds of years ago, European tradition demanded that newlyweds drank honey, the nectar of the Gods, to improve their sexual prowess. Have a tablespoon for your daily dose of antioxidants, vital nutrients and vitamins.
Oysters
Nature’s Viagra, oysters are replete with dopamine, a brain chemical that arouses sexual desires. The sea creature is also bursting with zinc, a mineral that aids arousal in men and women. But be aware that raw oysters can cause severe food poisoning, a surefire dampener on romance.
Pumpkin seeds
These green beauties are packed with healthy fatty acids and zinc, an important mineral for boosting male sex drive by revving up testosterone levels. A zinc deficiency can decrease libido in both sexes. Sprinkle over your morning porridge, salad or add them to stir fried veggies for an extra crunch.
Figs
First mentioned in the Bible—remember Adam and Eve covering their modesty with fig leaves—figs have always been associated with love and fertility. Cleopatra’s favorite food and regarded a sacred food by the ancient Greeks, this sexy fruit is considered an arousing stimulant. In fact, an open fig is believed to emulate the female sex organs
