Foods To Put You In The Mood
The holiday of love is fast approaching and February is also a month dedicated to promoting heart health, so we thought it would be fun to offer up a list of foods that are famous for bringing some heat between the sheets. There are plenty of studies linking a healthy sex life to stronger immunity, lower prostate cancer risk, lower rates of depression, and a longer life span. And while there are many factors that determine whether you’re “in the mood”, choosing certain foods can provide a healthy nudge to get you on your way.
- Dark Chocolate- There are several good reasons to indulge in a bit of dark chocolate, beyond its obvious deliciousness. Consuming dark chocolate releases phenylethylamine, which is responsible for boosting our feel-good endorphins. It also contains theobromine which helps boost our energy and the flavonoids present in dark chocolate have been shown to help with erectile function. Additionally, chocolate contains the amino acid L-Arginine, which increases blood flow to erogenous zones.
- Bananas – These phallic-shaped fruits contain bromelain, an enzyme that triggers testosterone production, and the fruit’s potassium and vitamin B elevate energy levels.
- Figs- Perhaps one of the most infamous foods associated with sexual attraction, figs are loaded with magnesium, a necessary fuel that allows the body to manufacture sex hormones. D. H. Lawrence even penned a poem entitled “Figs,” dedicated entirely to what he views as the erotic powers of this delectable summer fruit.
- Asparagus- Asparagus is rich in folate, a B vitamin that promotes healthy nitric oxide levels, leading to healthy blood flow, and also helps increase the production of histamine. The correct levels of histamine are important for a healthy sex drive in both men and women.
- Celery- This ribbed veggie is loaded with pheromones androstenone & androstenol, which are helpful for jumpstarting sexual appeal.
- Oysters- Oysters have been associated with increased sex drive since the time of ancient Rome. This is likely due to the fact that they’re high in zinc, which is key for the proper functioning of the male reproductive system. And research also suggests that oysters and other bivalve mollusks contain amino acids—specifically one called d-aspartic acid—that may boost sexual function.
- Egg Yolks- They may not sound very sexy, but egg yolks are great sources of L-Arginine, which increases blood flow to erogenous zones, and B-12, which boosts libido.
- Hot Peppers- Capsaicin, the compound that gives peppers their kick, also fires up libido and blood flow. Even the sensory experience of eating a hot pepper—the way it triggers the release of pleasure-linked chemicals like endorphins—could also contribute to an uptick in friskiness.
- Beans/Lentils- B vitamins and iron present in pulses like beans and lentils promote neurotransmitter health, particularly boosting serotonin, which elevates mood and sex drive.
- Garlic- Organosulfur compounds present in garlic helps to improve blood flow to erogenous zones and also has a warming effect. Just don’t forget the breath mint!
- Organics- A study in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found in animal trials that exposure to Atrazine, one of the most commonly applied herbicides in the world, slashed sex drive, negatively affected hormone levels, damaged fertility, and even turned some male frogs into females. Not Sexy!
- Avocados – These fruits are rich in folic acid, which is helpful for increased energy production, along with healthy fats to improve mood and sense of well-being.
