Whether you find yourself stressed or under a lot of pressure from deadlines, your job, the kids or whatever else keeps your life on speed mode, give yourself a night off and try these 7 all-natural mood enhancing foods this Valentines day.
These 7 foods have been said to help boost libido, aid in hormonal regulation, and increase stamina:
Chocolate Chocolate contains a chemical called phenyl ethylamine (PEA) which stimulates the brain and helps to arouse your emotional state, also known as the "love drug". Chocolate also contains a chemical called anandamid which binds to certain brain receptors and heightens sensitivity, euphoria and an overall sense of satisfaction. Not only does chocolate taste delicious, it's also great to use in your hair. I'm a super big fan of chocolate, especially dark chocolate and its a no-brainer why chocolate is the number one selling edible on Valentine's day.
Honey Honey has been associated with love, lust, honeymoons and romance for as far back as 500BC. Honey can be used to boost libido in both men and women by promoting testosterone production in men and estrogen in women. It also contains boron which helps to regulate hormone levels. Honey has also been known as a symbol of procreation because it is created through the pollination of bees. The word honeymoon supposedly comes from a drink newlyweds once drank called mead, which was made from honey and in ancient Chinese wedding ceremonies, a goblet of honey and a wine were tied together with a red thread and given to the bride and groom to sip.
Avocados The Aztecs referred to avocados as ahuacatl (translated to mean testicles) primarily for their shape and their ability to increase sexual desire. Avocados are rich in vitamin E and aid in the healthy production of sexual hormones such as testosterone, progesterone and estrogen. They are also said to help your skin remain clear, smooth and youthful looking. There is no science to back up the notion that avocados are a natural aphrodisiac, but you can be the judge and try them yourself.
Asparagus Allegedly, the French used to eat three meals of asparagus the day before their wedding to boost their sex drive for the special wedding night, and the practice of Kama Sutra even advises drinking asparagus as a paste to elevate your desires. Asparagus has a substantial amount of vitamin E, potassium and calcium which not only boosts libido but also increases energy and stamina. The only downside to eating asparagus is that it can leave your urine smelling a bit nasty.
Figs Once known as the forbidden fruit, figs have been related to sexuality in several cultures for many years. The luxury-loving Cleopatra was also said to be a huge fan of the fruit. The seeds of the fig have been said to be related to fertility in women and the leaves are known to represent modesty. Figs are filled with antioxidants, potassium, flavonoids and a pretty good amount of fiber.
Pomegranate Pomegranates contain a ton of seeds and has been associated with fertility and abundance for many years. In a recent study conducted by Queen Margaret University, it was found that drinking pomegranate juice on a daily basis could help to increase testosterone levels in both men and women, boost sexual desires and elevate romantic moods.
Almonds Almonds are packed with vitamin E, magnesium and fiber, and help to lower high cholesterol levels. Apparently, almonds contain an ingredient that could actually be beneficial for your overall sex drive according to recent medical studies. “Almonds contain L-arginine, a substance that is found in some medicated creams and gels that you apply to the genitals to increase arousal,” says Dolores Kent, MD, a gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon practicing in Los Angeles, CA.
