Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so if you’re looking to get your partner ‘in the mood’, try incorporating a few of these anti-inflammatory foods into your Valentine’s meal:
- Watermelon — Watermelon is rich in l-citrulline, an amino acid that helps improve blood flow. L-citrulline supports the body in optimizing blood flow through its conversion to L-arginine and then nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is involved in vasodilatation (dilation of the blood vessels). Low levels are associated with mental and physical fatigue and sexual dysfunction. Like Viagra, l-citrulline increases blood flow to the sexual organs, without negative side effects. Some experts ask “is watermelon the new Viagra?”
- Extra Dark Chocolate — Extra dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love.” A study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that women who ate chocolate every day had a more active sex life. Eating dark chocolate stimulates production of endorphins, resulting in pleasurable feelings and reduced stress. Serotonin, an important neurotransmitter, acts as an anti-depressant and increases feeling of well-being.
- Asparagus — Asparagus is rich in folate, a B vitamin that increases the production of histamine. Correct levels of histamine are important for a healthy sex drive in men and women.
- Oysters — Oysters are rich in zinc, essential for testosterone production and the maintenance of healthy sperm. Even though women have less testosterone than men, it plays a key part in the female libido as oysters boost dopamine, a hormone which results in increased libido.
What are your favorite foods to ‘get you in the mood’?
