Feeling romantic this Valentine’s Day? Want to treat your partner, get her in the mood and be healthy while doing it? There’s no better way than indulging in the right libido foods that are good for your heart too.
Revealed: The ultimate heart-health, libido menu
Starter: Oysters
“Casanova was said to breakfast on 50 oysters, which contain high levels of libido-boosting zinc,” reports Reilly. “Zinc is important in maintaining hormonal balance and adequate intake has been associated with a healthy sex drive, particularly in men.”
But oysters aren’t just good for your sex drive – they’re good for your heart too. “Oysters are among the most concentrated sources of EPA and DHA, which are Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish and shellfish. These fats may lower your risk for cardiac disease when you average about 250 mg per day,” reports
livestrong.com. The health benefits of oysters have also been shown to lower your
blood pressure and help your body lower your cholesterol.
Main course: Spicy, yellow curry
Curry has many libido boosting, heart-health benefits – especially if it contains saffron and chilli.
Saffron – the yellow spice in curry – is “rich in phytonutrients and research has shown that men suffering with erectile dysfunction benefited [from eating it],” explains herbalist Phillip Weeks on
IOL. Meanwhile, adding a bit of chilli to your curry “improves blood circulation, heightens nerve endings, increases heart rate and body temperature, which mimics the sensations we experience before and during intercourse,” explains nutritional therapist Dr Elizabeth Philipps.
And both these ingredients are good for your heart!
Saffron has long been used in Chinese medicine to improve heart-health. It’s been found to be “effective in lowering the blood cholesterol level and triglycerides among the heart patients,” says
iloveindia.com.
Research shows that chillies, on the other hand, “can lower
blood pressure in people with that condition, reduce blood cholesterol and ease the tendency for dangerous blood clots to form,” reports
Health24.
Dessert: Bananas with chocolate sauce
“For anyone whose cardiovascular health is a predominant concern, bananas’ high potassium and fibre content make this fruit an absolute must,” says
matureresources.org. And because they’re rich in potassium and B vitamins, both important for maintaining a healthy sex drive, they’re also great for your love life too.
And the best part is, they go with another heart-health, libido boosting food: Chocolate.
“Flavanols are the main type of flavonoid found in cocoa and chocolate. In addition to having antioxidant qualities, research shows that flavanols have other potential influences on vascular health, such as lowering blood pressure, improving blood flow to the brain and heart, and making blood platelets less sticky and able to clot,” explains an article on the
Cleveland Clinic website.
Cocoa also contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that boosts arousal.
Just remember to use dark chocolate to avoid unhealthy saturated fats.
Don’t forget to end your meal with a cup of coffee!
Research shows that drinking coffee may “lower your risk of heart failure, as long as you’re not drinking too much of it,” reports
menshealth.com. Scientists from Southwestern University, Texas, have also discovered that coffee boosts the female libido.
Bottom line: So wWhat are you waiting for? Indulge in these heart-healthy, libido foods this Valentine’s Day – you’re sure to reap the benefits.