By Dr. Heather Little-White, ContributorLOVE IS in the air and as Valentine's Day approaches, food plays a large part of the treats for this special day. But, what foods can you eat to give you the vitality for an unforgettable sexual encounter with that special person in your life?
If you are extremely orgasmic and your relationship thrives on a passionate time in bed, then you must ensure that you eat to maintain your sexual prowess. It is well established that good sex encourages good health and vice versa.
Traditionally, some foods have become known as 'love foods' because of their claims to have aphrodisiac effects. Chocolate has been trumpeted for its amorous effects. Why? It contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the substance formed by the body when you fall in love. Oysters are believed to be sex rejuvenators and pumpkin pie is proven to arouse sexual desire. Food for sexual vibrancy
YOUR LOVE DIET SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
Whole grains to include bulgur, oats, cornmeal, millet, wheat.
Nuts and seeds (unroasted) to include almonds, cashews, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and butters made from nuts and seeds.
Fruits and vegetables used abundantly, best eaten raw or in juices. One large, leafy salad should be eaten each day. Other uses are as cereal toppers, muffins, casseroles, soups and stews. The diet should be loaded with protein from legumes. Excellent examples are lentils, peas, beans, and soya-bean based tofu.
Eat at least one Vitamin A and one Vitamin C fruit each day. Take Brewer's yeast - three tablespoons per day - for protein and B vitamins.
Zinc is increasing in popularity because of its effects on impotence and sperm formation. Foods containing this powerful mineral include seafood, eggs, fish, meats, wheat germ and nuts but bearing in mind that coffee and tea impede its absorption.
Seafood improves one's sexual performance because of the high levels of iodine. However, watch cholesterol content. Phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are winning combinations.
Certain herbs have been associated with toning or stimulating sexual desire. Garlic and onions are particularly linked to increased sexual libido.
Hold the fats, salt and sugars. It is recommended that the diet be low in fats, especially saturated fats and cholesterol.
Salt should not be added to foods. There is enough occurring naturally in foods. If salt has to be used, substitute tamari, sea salt or miso. Herbs, spices and lime juice naturally flavour foods instead of salt.
Sugar intake can be reduced by avoiding refined, processed and fabricated foods and by eliminating white sugar and products made from it.
If you must have foods from animals, select fish, poultry and lean meat and eggs may be used instead of meat. If you love cheese, use unprocessed hard cheeses such as mozzarella or natural soft such as Brie, Camembert and cottage cheese.
For sexual libido, you are really what you eat. Indulge in the right foods so that you and your partner can experience a lifetime of bliss and sexual fortitude.
- Dr. Heather Little-White is a Lifestyle Consultant and a Food and Nutrition Expert.
