Lauren RabainoPlanning a romantic evening for Valentine’s Day? Many people think of soft music, flowers and candlelight. However, most overlook the importance of romantic aphrodisiac foods! Despite a long-standing interest in aphrodisiac foods throughout the centuries and across multiple cultures, little to no scientific study has been done to confirm or deny these claims. Lacking scientific evidence, you will need to be the judge for yourself!
Create an evening revolving around a menu of delicious aphrodisiacs. Here are the sexy foods to make it easy:
Banana: Some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance. Bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. This phallic fruit backs up its appearance.
Caviar: It’s high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.
Oysters: Oyster extract is excellent for men’s reproductive health and endurance. It is a rich source for the amino acid taurine, which has a cardio-protective effect and improves nerve transmission. Historically known as an aphrodisiac, flavanoids in oyster meat have been shown to stimulate the reproductive system.
Celery: This common vegetable acts as a stimulant, and eating the fresh root strengthens the sex organs. Celery root contains an essential oil and the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur and phosphorus.
Pine nuts: Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been used to stimulate the libido as far back as the medieval times.
Squash: Seeds contain fatty oil, protein and vitamin E that is important for healthy sexuality. For stimulating the woman’s sex drive, have her indulge in a sweet potato.
Basil: Eat one leaf a day to maintain health, prosperity and fertility. Basil contains essential oil, tannins and vitamins, and also possesses aphrodisiac powers. This popular spice is said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility. It is also said to produce a general sense of well-being for body and mind.
Cayenne: Cayenne is also known as capsicum and plays a very large role in blood circulation. When cayenne is ingested, it dilates blood vessels. This allows increased blood flow throughout the body, especially to the major organs.
Garlic: A mouthful of fresh garlic might not sound like the best start to a romantic evening, but garlic has long had a reputation as an aphrodisiac. Used as an aphrodisiac since the Egyptians, the Romans consecrated it to Ceres, the goddess of fertility. Recent research suggests that garlic’s ability to improve blood circulation might also improve sexual performance in some.
Licorice: This acts on the glands, especially the adrenals, to optimize hormone levels. The adrenals produce sex hormones and are directly involved with a healthy sex drive. Lowered adrenal function can lead to loss of libido, less energy and poorer sexual response. It is particularly stimulating for women. So buy your special valentine a big box of Good n’ Plenty candies.
Mustard: Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.
Arugula: This salad green has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Arugula is also a good source of iron, calcium and vitamins A and C.
Wheat: Ingestion of wheat germ, oil or sprouts have been shown to strengthen the sexual organs. Wheat also contains vitamin E to strengthen the sexual organs.
Zinc: This mineral is essential for healthy sexual function and the health of the sexual organs. It is involved with production of several hormones involved with genital function and has been used to treat infertility.
B-Complex: All of the B vitamins are involved with production of energy, metabolism and synthesis of hormones. B vitamins may be the most important nutrient for healthy function of the nerves. Lack of sensory function can directly lead to a lack of sexual fulfillment. A lower level of B vitamins means lower levels of female hormones.
We’ve all heard the old adage, “the shortest way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach.” If you’re resisting this whole idea because you’re just not a cook and would not have any idea how to incorporate these foods, you can relax. This evening will be a great test for the power of aphrodisiac foods. Go online for some easy recipes to incorporate these enticing ingredients into a romantic evening. You could make a pesto sauce (basil and garlic) with whole wheat pasta topped off with some pine nuts, served with an arugula salad. Have fun and be safe!
Sarah Bailey is a nutrition senior, a Mustang Daily nutrition columnist and a member of PULSE. E-mail her your questions at slbailey@calpoly.edu.