Top 3 aphrodisiac foods for Valentine’s Day

For a long time, many foods have been said to have the power to stimulate sexual desire, increase libido, and even fight infertility. Among the long list of foods with aphrodisiac virtues, I have chosen the 3 foods that are most likely to rekindle your spirits.

Alcohol

It’s so nice to begin a romantic dinner with one or two cocktails! In small doses, alcohol reduces stress and makes social interactions easier. But you must be careful not to indulge excessively and lose your manners! Moreover, a study has shown that an excessive consumption of alcohol has a negative impact on sexual arousal [1].

Gourmet ideas:

• Choose cocktails with suggestive names, such as “Sex on the beach”, “Nuit de folie”, or “After sex”.
• Prepare warm wine seasoned with cinnamon, a delicacy!
• Combine champagne and crème de cassis (Kir Royal) for a sparkling pink cocktail.

Oysters

Did you know that oysters are the best food source of zinc? And how does this affect libido? Zinc is essential to the production of testosterone. A study has even demonstrated than men who consume more zinc have higher levels of testosterone in their bloodstream [2]. Gentlemen, get help from oysters, and your partners will thank you!

Gourmet ideas:

• Serve raw, seasoned oysters as a starter meal.
• Prepare oysters soup.
• Offer oven-baked oysters “au gratin”.

Chocolate

Some scientists have already qualified chocolate as “the food with the biggest influence on mood” [3]. Indeed, it is believed that the consumption of pleasurable foods, such as chocolate, stimulates the production of endorphins, the same hormones released during orgasm that bring about a feeling of well-being. Surprising, isn’t it?

Gourmet ideas:

• Serve a traditional chocolate fondue.
• Finish your meal with a chocolate and Port wine tasting.
• Offer a delicious chocolate mousse as dessert.
• Suggest a hot chocolate seasoned with cinnamon.

All in all, the magic can also be worked in the manner with which these foods are eaten! A dim light, a warm atmosphere, and soft music will add sensuality to your romantic dinner.

By Vanessa Martin

References
1. George WH, Davis KC, Heiman JR, Norris J, Stoner SA, Schacht RL, Hendershot CS, Kajumulo KF. 2011 (mars). « Women’s sexual arousal : effects of a high alcohol dosages and self-control instructions ». Hormonal Behaviour :59(5);730-738.
2. Prasad AS, Mantzoros CS, Beck FW, Hess JW, Brewer GJ. 1996 (mai). « Zinc status and serum testosterone levels of healthy adults ». Nutrition; 12(5): 344-8.
3. Benton D, Donohoe RT. 1999 (mai). « The effects of nutrients on mood ». Public Health Nutrition :2(3a);403-409.

Top 3 aphrodisiac foods for Valentine's Day is a post from Nautilus Plus. The Nautilus Plus blog aims to help people in their journey to fitness through articles on training, nutrition, motivation, exercise and healthy recipes.
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