This Valentine’s Day, put your partner in the mood for love by whipping up a delicious meal that includes some stimulating foods. 

By Sofia Segounis, Nutritionist

The belief that food affects your mood has been around for years. The taste and smell of some foods cause the body to secrete chemicals and hormones that stir up that loving feeling, while others just have sex appeal because of their shape. Here is a list of foods to put some loving in your life this Valentine’s Day.

Chili peppers: Chili peppers raise your temperature, get your heart racing and get your blood flowing. It is believed that eating chili peppers will create a natural high similar to the feelings experienced during lovemaking.

Banana: Bananas are high in potassium and B vitamins which are necessary for sex hormone production. They are reported to have chemicals that affect the brain, lifting mood and raising self-confidence, giving you the attitude that is perfect for flirting.

Oysters: Rich in iron and zinc, oysters are one of the most well-known aphrodisiacs. Iron transports oxygen to all of our cells. Zinc is essential for the synthesis of the male hormone, testosterone, which is necessary in sperm production, arousal and prostate health. If you consume a diet that is high in refined sugars, refined grains, frozen vegetables and alcohol, it may lead to a deficiency in zinc. Click here for more information about healthier carbohydrates.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains three stimulants: caffeine, theobromine and phenylethylamine (PEA), which is a natural compound similar to amphetamine. All of this is what makes chocolate a source of quick energy that can also elevate mood.

Onions: Onions stimulate blood flow, increase libido and strengthen reproductive organs. From Arab folklore, a concoction of onion juice and honey is the original Viagra.

Olives: Green olives are believed to make men more virile and black olives increase women’s sex drive.

Ginger: Ginger is reported to increase blood flow to the genitals, for both men and women, and it relaxes the muscles of the uterus.

Grapes: Grapes are associated with romantic settings such as wine with an intimate dinner and feeding your partner individual grapes, both practices that have been done for centuries. For a more intense relationship peel the skin off the grape. This increases the stimulating properties by showing your partner how much you care by taking the extra step.

Asparagus: Asparagus is rich in vitamin E and has been known to stimulate the production of male and female sex hormones, which are essential for a healthy sex life. Asparagus is also known as an aphrodisiac for its shape and texture.

A healthy diet is important for a healthy love life. Your brain, nerves and other body parts depend on glucose to function properly. A dip in blood sugars causes weakness, fatigue and may also affect performance. This is why eating a well-balanced diet that contains a variety of wholesome foods is so important. Click here for a special Valentine’s dinner, packed with aphrodisiacs both you and your partner will enjoy.

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