Love is in the Air: Heart-Healthy Aphrodisiacs ❤️

 Love is in the Air💞

 The word “aphrodisiac”, means pertaining to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, procreation and beauty. Aphrodisiacs are substances revered for increasing sexual desire, performance and/or pleasure. Happily, a number of aphrodisiacs also support heart health. What better way to show someone you love them than preparing a romantic meal which will not only get you both in the mood but also optimize your heart health simultaneously?

Although many aphrodisiacs may originally be rooted in myth, superstition or folklore, a lot of them have scientific support for their sexual enhancing impact. They have a proven physiological effect. Some aphrodisiacs work by increasing libido; some by arousing via sensual scent or aesthetics; some by increasing blood circulation and stamina; some by boosting levels of sex hormones; and some by promoting relaxation and “feel good” neurotransmitters and hormones. Ready to give your love life a boost and optimize you and your loved one’s health? Consider preparing a meal centered around some of the following: 

Increased Arousal

Figs - This juicy, luscious fruit (believed to resemble female sexual organs when cut in half) has long been considered an aphrodisiac for good reason. Figs were reputedly a favorite of Cleopatra and the ancient Greeks deemed figs sacred in matters of love and fertility. Not only are figs visually and texturally arousing but they are also a powerhouse of nutrients helping to optimize health, being a rich source of flavonoids, polyphenols and antioxidants. They are associated with a sense of euphoria and a source of concentrated energy, enabling prolonged sex.

Red ginseng -  This spice is associated not only with erectile function but enhanced sexual arousal in general, notably even in women during menopause.

Fenugreek - This spice, revered in Ayuvedic practice for its antiflammatory impact,  is considered an aphrodisiac particularly in south Asia for its ability to not only increase sexual drive in general but orgasms as well.

Maca - Maca has such a potent ability to heighten sexual desire that it is known as Peruvian viagra.

Olives and olive oil - Green olives are associated with increased virility for men and black olives are believed to increase women’s libido. Antioxidant rich olive oil with heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids is also known to promote smooth blood flow thereby increasing circulation.

Arugula - this leafy green has been considered an arousal aid since ancient Greece and its impact is medically validated. Its antioxidants and trace mineral constituents block environmental contaminants that can harm libido. These constituents can also boost levels of testosterone (the hormone responsible for promoting sexual drive and orgasms).

Sensual Scents

Basil - known in Italy as the “herb of kisses”, and used in ancient Greece to promote horse mating, basil not only has a sweet aroma but is known to increase heart rate and improve blood flow. 

Vanilla - vanilla is associated with a stimulating arousing impact and a feeling of euphoria.

Cinnamon - with its earthy aroma and warming nature, cinnamon is known for increasing sexual appetite.

Licorice - just taking a whiff of licorice is associated with increased blood flow, aiding erectile function.

Ginger - this pungent scented spice definitely has potential to heat things up. It stimulates the circulatory system and increases sensitivity in erogenous zones. It can leave your tongue tingly and slightly engorge your lips. It is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, conducive to optimizing heart health and health overall.

Nutmeg - Another pungent spice, nutmeg has been called “female viagra” because of its ability to help get one in the mood by calming the nervous system, balancing hormones, increasing blood circulation to reproductive organs, prompting release of serotonin and increasing libido overall. It can also help make one feel more sensual in general by helping to improve digestion, and decrease bloating and constipation, while also increasing metabolism and possibly help with weight loss.

Increased Circulation 

Cherries - cherries are considered a passion booster. They not only promote healthy blood flow but they also boost pheromone production.

Caffeine - caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It  stimulates blood flow, heart rate, stamina, and the “feel good” neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin, all associated with an increase in spirits and energy, conducive to sexual arousal and performance.

Chili peppers/cayenne - Spicy foods can spice up your love life thanks in part from their ability to increase heart rate, blood flow and heat. The capsaicin constituent in these spicy peppers also triggers the release of endorphins or “happy chemicals”.

Pistachios - these nuts are not only considered a heart healthy snack in general but they also increase blood flow and have been shown to improve erections.

Saffron - this spice is revered in India for stimulating circulation and increasing blood flow, particularly to the reproductive organs.

Watermelon - watermelon 🍉 has enzymes that relax blood vessels and increase blood flow, particularly to sexual organs.

Enhanced Sexual Hormone and Neurotransmitter Production

Honey - with its sweet, sticky, silky nature, honey can conjure up sensual pleasure merely by appearance and texture. Supposedly the Greek philosopher and father of modern medicine, Hippocrates, used to prescribe honey for sexual vigor. It is also believed to have been the nectar of Aphrodite. It’s rich in B vitamins, useful in providing energy and boosting testosterone. It also contains the trace mineral, boron, which promotes the use and metabolism of the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. In addition, it increases levels of nitric oxide which is released in the blood during arousal and is responsible for erections.

Beets - With the red color reminiscent of Valentine’s Day, beets not only contain boron but are also revered blood cleansers, helping to optimize blood flow and supporting heart health. Beets are also a natural source of tryptophan and betaine, substances  promoting well-being.

Pomegranates - Another food that is often considered visually sensual, juicy, ruby red pomegranate seeds decrease the stress hormone cortisol, which may not only help put one in the mood but also appears to increase libido boosting testosterone. Pomegranates are also considered to be very heart healthy. They improve blood flow; reduce blood pressure; and may slow plaque and cholesterol build up. With over 100 phytochemicals (beneficial plant-based substances), they are a powerful source of antioxidants, helping prevent oxidation of cholesterol. All these impacts may help prevent clots and atherosclerosis, precursors to heart attacks and strokes.

Omega 3 fatty acids - omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like wild salmon, walnuts, chia and flax seeds) elevate levels of dopamine considered a happy hormone for its ability to elevate mood. Indeed it is released in the brain during orgasm. Omega-3‘s are also considered to act as natural Viagra due to their L-arginine constituent, an amino acid used to treat erectile dysfunction. Salmon in particular is an excellent source of protein which increases stamina and also has vitamins A, D, B and C, associated with an increase in sexual drive. It also has tryptophan, an amino acid that is a precursor to the production of serotonin.

Oysters - oysters are one of the most recognized aphrodisiacs. Their high zinc and amino acid compounds trigger production of sexual hormones.

Nuts and seeds - If you’re not into oysters, try a handful of almonds, high in zinc, selenium and vitamin E, or pumpkin seeds, high in zinc and omega 3's, known to help trigger sex hormone production.

Goji berries - with a color also reminiscent of Valentine’s Day, these berries are actually considered a sexual tonic in Asian countries for their ability to increase testosterone levels.

Garlic -While the spice may not intuitively be associated with enhanced sexual pleasure, its allicin component helps build testosterone levels. It also promotes heat, stimulating circulation, particularly to the pelvic region and is associated with enhanced sexual stamina. It's also a superstar in general for enhancing overall health. It has been used since ancient Egyptian times to increase blood flow and enhance stamina.

Onions - Another food that may not intuitively be considered an aphrodisiac, onions boost libido and are considered a tonic for increasing sexual energy in Ayurvedic practices. Supposedly monks were even cautioned to avoid onions given their ability to build up semen.

Dark Chocolate

No enumeration of aphrodisiacs would be complete without including chocolate. It is in a class by itself. There’s a host of reasons for dark chocolate being considered a classic aphrodisiac. Fortunately, not only is chocolate inextricably associated with love, desire and romance, dark chocolate also has a lot of health promoting (physically and mentally) constituents, provided you consume chocolate with at least 70% cacao. Dark chocolate contains phenylethylamine - a chemical with impacts similar to amphetamines. Indeed, this chemical is released when we fall in love and during orgasms. Dark chocolate also contains the stimulant components caffeine and theobromine. Cacao, a rich source of flavonols  and polyphenols, including antioxidants, is conducive with promoting overall health by inhibiting oxidation of LDL cholesterol and decreasing the risk of clotting and arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. 

With such a long list of foods with seductive properties, have fun by cooking a meal with your romantic partner. Not only will you be setting the stage for an amorous evening, but also enhancing yours and your loved one’s cardiovascular health. Notably a lot of these foods are finger foods, conducive to an intimate eating experience. Indeed, even the act of cooking together and/or sharing a meal together is associated with an increased release of oxytocin, the hormone known as the “cuddle” or “bonding” hormone. Let your imagination be your guide but a simple meal packed with health-optimizing aphrodisiacs may include the following:

Arugula salad with roasted figs drizzled with a citrus-honey olive oil vinaigrette topped with juicy pomegranate arils

Roast salmon atop beet pasta* with roasted artichokes** and toasted walnuts

Mulled red wine with cinnamon, clove and citrus, accompanied by dark chocolate, almonds and cherries. Not into wine? Substitute with ginger tea or hot cocoa.

*Making beet pasta cannot be easier. Simply sauté your pasta of choice in the pickling juice from a jar of pickled beets.

**Skip the hassle of cleaning fresh artichokes and opt for jarred artichokes to make this recipe super easy.