Before you retire to the bedroom this V-day, hit the kitchen for some passion-inducing bites. Luckily, slurping oysters isn’t your only option, even though science does support their aphrodisiac rep (they’re high in zinc, which aids in the production of sex drive enhancers testosterone and dopamine). But other foods contain nutrients that may spice up intimate encounters, too; and that's besides their other benefits, says dietitian Sonya Angelone: “Beneficial foods will improve blood circulation and make you feel good emotionally.”
Nibble on these 6 delicious treats to start setting the mood:
Chocolate
Cacao, used to make chocolate, contains mood-boosting amino acids. And “dark chocolate is rich in heart-healthy flavonoids, good for circulation,” Angelone says. Plus, your body releases pleasureinvoking endorphins when savouring it, just like it does during an orgasm. Need we say more?
Cacao Overnight Oats
In 500ml jar (or 16 oz), layer ½ cup each old-fashioned rolled oats and yoghurt, ½ pear (chopped), and 1 Tbsp each cacao nibs and toasted walnuts (chopped). At least 15 min. before serving or as soon as the night before, add 1/2 cup milk and shake well to combine.
Saffron
These dainty red strands give dishes a warm yellow hue and are prized in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory and for being high in antioxidants; this supports healthy blood vessels. Some research shows that the supplement form may improve erectile dysfunction in men and arousal issues in women.
Smoky Saffron Rice
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in medium saucepan on medium. Add 2 cloves garlic and 1 onion (both chopped) and 11/2 tsp saffron threads (crushed); sauté until tender. Stir in ½ tsp smoked paprika; cook 1 min. Add 1 cup rice and stir. Add 1¾ cups chicken broth or water and 2Tbsp lemon juice; simmer, covered, 18 min. Remove from heat; let sit 5 min. Fluff and fold in ¼ cup parsley (chopped).
Dates
This fruit is rich in amino acids that may lift libido by stimulating nitric oxide production to improve blood flow.
Coffee Frappe
Blend ½ cup oat or almond milk, 1 banana (sliced and frozen), 3 pitted dates, 1/8 tsp cinnamon, and 6 frozen coffee cubes (brew 180ml (or 6 oz) and freeze).
Sardines
Omega-3’s spike dopamine, a brain chemical released during orgasm that improves blood flow and triggers arousal.
Sardine Toast
Divide 1 avocado between 2 slices of toasted sourdough bread and mash; sprinkle with lemon zest and salt. Top each with 1 canned sardine (halved), lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
Maca
Usually eaten in powder form, this root hails from the Andes and may stimulate stamina and desire, possibly thanks to its high magnesium content: The mineral relaxes muscles and regulates testosterone to help us chill out and heat up.
Peanut Butter Banana Maca Pancakes
In large bowl, mash 1 small ripe banana, 2 large eggs, ½ cup Greek yoghurt, 1/3 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract; stir in 2 Tbsp creamy peanut butter. Whisk together 1 cup flour, 2 Tbsp maca powder, ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt; stir into banana mixture. Heat large nonstick skillet on medium; cook in batches.
Watermelon
This Summer favourite is full of phytonutrients, such as lycopene and citrulline, which can have an effect that is similar to Viagra through the relaxing of blood vessels (this can also increase a woman's sex drive).
Berry melon salad
Mix one quarter of a seedless watermelon, either diced or balled, with three 125g punnets of blueberries, blackberries and strawberries each in a large serving bowl. Cover with a quarter of the juice of a lime, tossing to combine. Serve garnished with fresh mint.
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Food Guide
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