Ten Natural Aphrodisiacs That Deliver Health Benefits and Some Heat Between the Sheets
January 11, 2010
The Love Chef
Ten Natural Aphrodisiacs That Deliver Health Benefits and Some Heat Between the Sheets
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With all the financial stresses and quarterly deadlines that tend to bear down on us this time of year, getting in the mood for a little ‘Suki Suki’ can be more challenging than a fifth grader. But, a little foreplay is just what the doctor ordered … or more appropriately, what the chef ordered. A little time spent wisely in the kitchen can actually turn up the heat off the stove.
According to experts, some foods have a direct impact on your sex life, affecting your hormones, brain chemistry and energy and stress levels. While some have psychoactive properties, others can even increase blood flow to the genitals.
Work some of these into the evening’s menu and prepare to knock some boots, sista.
ASPARAGUS. Dating back to the 17th century, scholars have believed that asparagus “stirs up lust in a man and a woman.” Besides its more obvious phallic shape, asparagus is a great source of vitamins A, C, E and B6, potassium, fiber, thiamin and folic acid, which help boost histamine production essential in reaching orgasm in both sexes. Vitamin E is also considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones for a long, healthy sex life.
AVOCADO. The Aztecs thought the fruit resembled testicles when hanging in pairs on trees, Catholic priests in Spain forbade it due to its sexual innuendos and its been used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction in traditional husbandry. Rich in folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium, the avocado has similar histamine-boosting superpowers as asparagus. Its aphrodisiac effect has also been rumored to come from a component named bromocriptine, which in certain conditions, can influence the functioning of certain glands.
DARK CHOCOLATE. The queen of aphrodisiacs, pure chocolate exudes PEA (phenylethylamine), which releases dopamine in the pleasure centers of the brain and helps induce feelings of excitement during orgasm, anandamide, the psychoactive ‘feel-good’ chemical and cacao. Cacao contains tryptophan, which is known to entice a sense of well-being and relaxation. Round two, anyone?
CHILI PEPPERS. Is it getting hot in here? Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which stimulates our nerve endings and evokes physiological responses in our bodies (sweating and increased heart rate) that are reminiscent of sex. Spicy foods are also believed by some to trigger the release of endorphins, body chemicals that give us a natural high essential to lovemaking.
GARLIC. Yes, your breath alone could be a bit of a buzzkill on a first date, but garlic is chock-full of allicin, an ingredient that increases blood flow. Garlic is also considered to treat ailments like the common cold and acne due to its anti-bacterial component. Just keep the gum handy.
GINGER. Sprinkle some grated or sliced ginger into an Asian-inspired dish or dessert cake. Gingerroot raw, cooked or crystallized is actually a stimulant to your circulatory system. Ginger also reduces pain and inflammation, provides relief from migraines and menstrual cramps and has been proven to be effective in the treatment of morning sickness.
FIG. Figs became known as an aphrodisiac because of its suggestive shape resembling the female organs. They are packed with amino acids that improve sexual stamina, and its heady sweetness and creamy consistency is said to induce amore. Figs are also an excellent source of potassium and are packing loads of fiber and calcium.
VANILLA. The tantalizing scent of vanilla is said to increase lust and cure male impotency. In 1762, a German physician claimed that 342 impotent men were changed into astonishing lovers from sipping on vanilla decoctions. The aroma of vanilla also triggers the release of serotonin, a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that causes satisfaction. On the nutritional scale, vanillin, the active component of vanilla, is also a powerful antioxidant, while studies have shown the expensive spice to help prevent against cancer and tumors.
Now, get cookin’ gorgeous. And consider wearing nothing under that apron for once.
Taken from: Healthy Bitch Daily which is a daily health and self-interest guide that gets down and dirty with women on nutrition, health, fitness, beauty, environmental and social awareness, and the forward-thinkers that are changing the world we live in. Created by Kim Barnouin- the co-author of New York Times Bestseller, Skinny Bitch – HBD rounds up a team of experts, celebrities and personalities to offer women the tools and resources they need to change their filthy ways and the world around them. www.healthybitchdaily.com
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