Even before the days of the Roman Empire, people knew the foods they ate could increase their desire… And enhance their mood. These stimulating foods got their name—aphrodisiacs—from Aphrodite. She was the Greek goddess of sex and beauty.1 Their aromas alone are said to affect your memory, motivation, and emotion.2
If you’re planning a special Valentine’s Day meal… Make it with pleasure-producing foods. These five ingredients will help put you in the mood to celebrate. And not just in the way you’re thinking… They come with some other important health benefits.
Here are five aphrodisiacs that boost more than libido:
1. Oysters: They contain rare amino acids like D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate. These trigger a surge of sex hormones. D-aspartic acid is a sought after ingredient for bodybuilders. It amps up testosterone and builds muscle. Higher levels of these hormones are common in those who are sexually active. Eat about a dozen raw for the highest potency.3
But oysters don’t just help your mojo… Your heart and brain will also benefit. These mollusks are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. And they contain more zinc per than serving than any other food. It helps maintain sexual health.4 Yet it’s a mineral most men don’t get enough of.
2. Arugula: It might not sound very sexy… But these slightly spicy greens have been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Its mineral and antioxidant content support your libido…5
But eating arugula can also help prevent cancer. It’s high in natural nitrates. The good kind. They improve circulation and build better immune function… Even lower blood pressure.6 So if you’re starting dinner with a salad course, throw in some arugula. It’s a sneaky way to rev up your sex drive… And get your blood going.
3. Celery: Celery contains androsterone. It increases the release of pheromones through your sweat glands. These stimulating chemicals can influence your dinner guest’s behavior and desires. Not bad perks for Valentine’s dinner… But they don’t stop there.
Eating celery also decreases inflammation. At the same time, it increases your immune response. And its apigenin content helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It may even reduce your risk of developing heart disease.7
4. Beets: They’re high in boron. It’s a trace mineral that increases sex hormone levels. You’re better off not cooking them. Grate them and eat them raw. You can also eat or juice the leaves and stems. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Beetroot juice is high in nitrates. They’ll help improve muscle oxygenation during exercise. It enhances athletic performance…of any kind.8
Beets are a natural source of tryptophan and betaine. Both help promote a feeling of well-being.9 This vegetable also protects your heart by lowering homocysteine levels. This inflammatory amino acid can damage your arteries.10
5. Coffee: Finish off the meal with a hot cup. Make sure it’s freshly ground and organic. The caffeine increases blood flow. Coffee is also a good source of alkaloids. These help you maintain sexual performance. And on top of coffee’s antioxidant benefits, drinking it helps increase stamina. It’ll help end your meal on a high note… Thanks to a healthy dose of dopamine.11
This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself—and your significant other—to sensual, satisfying treats. But don’t limit them to once a year. You can eat these foods all year long. You’ll be doing your hormones and the rest of your body a favor… And reaping rewards you can feel.
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References:
1http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16076823/ns/health-forbes_com/t/recipe-better-sex-what-eat-add-spice/#.VNF3vmR4qCJ
2http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/10/dining/10erotic.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
3http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1486054/Raw-oysters-really-are-aphrodisiacs-say-scientists-and-now-is-the-time-to-eat-them.html
4http://www.rodalenews.com/benefits-eating-oysters-0?page=1
5http://www.gourmetsleuth.com/articles/detail/aphrodisiac-foods#ixzz3QpvunXz3
6http://chriskresser.com/the-nitrate-and-nitrite-myth-another-reason-not-to-fear-bacon
7http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2011/0509-parsley-celery-carry-crucial-component-for-fight-against-breast-cancer-mu-researcher-finds/
8http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/282769.php
9http://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/10-edible-aphrodisiacs/
10http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/best_healthy_foods/Beet.php
11http://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/10-edible-aphrodisiacs/