Mood Enhancers

— by Amy Paturel

Some say that certain foods can ignite passion. It’s true that some foods can help increase blood flow by lowering cholesterol, supporting the heart, and reducing plaque in the veins. After all, if your arteries are clogged, getting blood to flow down south can be problematic, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RD, CDN, spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. With that in mind, here are some romance-enhancing wonders.

Oysters

Since the tale of Aphrodite emerging from the sea on an oyster shell was first told, oysters have been hailed as an Aphrodisiac. Oysters and other fatty fish such as salmon, scallops and sardines are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats called Omega 3s and they carry a hefty dose of testosterone boosting zinc.

Wine / Champagne

You’ve probably already heard that a daily glass of wine raises good cholesterol and helps prevent arteries from clogging. And alcohol, like many mind altering substances, can lower inhibitions and help ease you into an amorous mood but, you have to be especially careful. With too much alcohol, you could end up drunk and, while you may feel amorous, physically you might not be able to prove it.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts have more protein than any other nut. In addition to providing protein which helps increase stamina, pine nuts are heavy in healthy monosaturated fats, zinc and other nutrients linked with increased sexual desire. Sexier than your average peanut, pine nuts are often regular features in the salads and pasta dishes of many fine restaurants.

Artichoke

This nutrient-dense, peculiar plant was once considered such a powerful aphrodisiac that women were banned from eating it. According to Martha Hopkins, co-author of Inter-Courses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook. Part of the artichoke’s appeal may be that you have to work hard to “get past the spiked leaves to get to the velvety-smooth heart.”

Spices

In addition to heating up your tongue, the right spices can also heat up things in the bedroom. “Chili pepper and ginger help improve circulation,” says Dix, “and hot spices like cayenne, curry and cumin help warm the body.” The intoxicating aromas of exotic spices can help infuse romance into the atmosphere.

Avocado

According to the “Doctrine of Signatures,” foods help stimulate the parts of the body they resemble. That’s probably why the Aztecs named avocados “ahuécale” or “testicle”. In addition to resembling that part of the anatomy, they also grow in pairs. Though science neither confirms nor denies that this fruit will get your fire going, it does confirm that avocados will give you fuel in the form of healthy fats, protein and potassium.

Chocolate

Don’t skip dessert: Eating chocolate causes the release of mood-boosting, stress- reducing serotonin. The sweet stuff also causes a release of phenyl-ethylamine, which can results in changes in blood pressure and blood-sugar levels leading to feelings of excitement. Just be sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. It’s sweet and sexy.