Food that’ll get you in the mood for love

If a romantic meal for two is on the cards for you and your other half this February 14th, you may like to put a little extra thought into dinner. The aphrodisiac properties of certain foods make them the ideal ingredients for a sexy shared supper.

Check out these libido-boosting foods that’ll get you in the mood for love.

Oysters

It might be the obvious cliché, but it turns out Casanova may well have been right. The 18^th-century lover who used to breakfast on 50 oysters a day, has been vindicated by recent studies, which prove they really are an aphrodisiac. These slippery little shellfish are brimming with zinc, a mineral that cranks up the pituitary gland and testosterone production. They also contain amino acids, which are said to trigger sex hormones. And then there’s their vague resemblance to the, ahem, female anatomy, which makes them impossible for a guy to eat without looking incredibly comical or marginally seductive.

Bananas

Speaking of phallic… the long, curved shapes of certain foods have for years brought about stories of sexual powers. It’s virtually impossible to eat a banana without a hint of suggestiveness. From a more practical scientific standpoint, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, which are necessary for sex hormone production. They also contain chelating minerals and bromelain enzymes, said to enhance the male libido.

Hot Chillies

Ordering takeout this Valentine’s Day? Make it spicy! Capsaicin, a chemical found in fiery peppers, increases circulation to get blood pumping and stimulates nerve endings so you’ll feel more turned on. If you’re preparing a homemade meal, just remember to wash your hands after handing these fiery little devils before handling anything else!

Asparagus

In ancient times, asparagus was renowned as an aphrodisiac. An English herbalist from the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus: ‘stirs up lust in man and woman’. In 19th century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus at their prenuptial dinner. It’s the vitamin E in asparagus that helps the body produce hormones such as testosterone, oestrogen, and progesterone, which in turn circulate in the bloodstream and stimulate sexual responses.

Pomegranates

The pomegranate owes its powers of passion to antioxidants, which protect the lining of blood vessels. These powerful antioxidants allow more blood to travel through the vessels, resulting in increased sensitivity to touch. A study conducted by Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh has also shown that the juice of the pomegranate is a powerful, natural aphrodisiac due to its ability to increase testosterone. So, neck a glass or two, or grab a couple of cocktail sticks and share the seeds of this wonderful superfood for your Valentine’s Day dessert.

Vanilla

The jury’s out on whether vanilla’s powers of seduction are down to its sexy, stimulating properties or simply due to the aromatic, calming scent. Either way, there is little doubt that vanilla can most certainly be classed as a natural aphrodisiac.

Whether applied to the skin, eaten in sweet foods or added to a warming after-dinner coffee, vanilla acts on the central nervous system to combat sexual debilitation. The sweet fragrance of vanilla seems to be largely responsible for its ability to soothe emotional tension and reduce anxiety and stress. Vanilla has also been proven to have a euphoric effect on the brain.