Rev up your sensuality this winter by cozying up to these passionate foods.
Aphrodisiacs are centuries-old substances that supposedly incite romance and lust. Mostly old wives’ tales, modern day science has not substantiated the beliefs that particular foods help increase sexual desire. But who says that we can’t put these foods to the test?
1. Dark Chocolate
Does this highly revered candy make people ‘go gaga’ over each other? It turns out that cacao contains a host of feel-good chemicals, such as anandamide, phenylethylamine, and tryptophan which promote a sense of well-being, relaxation, euphoria and pleasure. But don’t go overboard to avoid packing on the pounds.
2. Arugula (Rocket)
The peppery taste of this delicate green will surely stir up your palate, but it may also spice up your love life too. Arugula carries an age-old history to promote good sexual health. Rich in anti-oxidants, arugula may help block some of the environmental contaminants that negatively impact libido.
3. Coffee
This pick-me-up beverage may offer more than just alertness. There have been studies that say coffee can increase sex drive by stimulating part of the brain regulating arousal. Limit your intake to no more than 2 to 3 cups of coffee a day, as the caffeine content may cause you to become irritable or have trouble sleeping.
4. Honey
The product of queen bees, sticky and sweet honey may help put you in the mood. Honey is a great source of boron, a trace mineral that is needed to make estrogen and testosterone, which are the hormones responsible for promoting sex drive.
5. Almonds
Since civilization first rooted, almonds have been regarded as symbols of fertility. Just the smell is said to stir up passion in women. Almonds are a prime source of vitamin E, which is touted as the “sex vitamin”, and may offer a nutritious way to get your juices flowing.
6. Ginger
One of the oldest spices in the world, ginger root has traditionally been considered an aphrodisiac, due to its ability to promote good blood flow. The tongue-tingling, exotic Far-East flavors of ginger may be just what you need to tickle your fancy.
7. Garlic
Stinky breath may not be the sexiest way to start a romantic evening, but this pungent bulb may improve circulation in all the right places. Garlic’s ability to excite food flavors may also bring out the sexy in you.
8. Anise
This licorice-tasting herb is believed in many cultures to increase sexual desire. Anise contains an estrogen-like substance, which may help turn your sex drive up a notch.
9. Hot chili peppers
Eating peppers creates the same physiological response as sex, such as sweating, increased heart rate and blood flow. This aroused reaction is due to a chemical called capsaicin, which is also a good pain reliever. Feel the heat and watch the sparks fly!
You may not find a female version of Viagra in your fridge, but there’s no harm experimenting with these foods to see if your love engine gets refueled.
Dr Sandy Zabaneh is a US board-certified Doctor in Pharmacy who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from University of California, Davis. She is the Health Editor of U Magazine, clinical pharmacy consultant and life coach. Dr Sandy likes to follow the motto set forth by the World Health Organization in 1948: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Check out her blog at http://www.askdrsandy.com/
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