February 10th, 2016

The Naughty Nine: These Sexy Foods Are Sure to Get You In The Mood…

It’s getting hot in here!


9 Super Sexy Foods to get you in the mood…

There are foods that are great for slimming down, and there are some foods that can help you slim down, make you feel super sexy, and heat things up in your life. Insert fire emoji here, these 9 foods are sure to get you in the mood…

Chocolate prompts the release of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin as well as the amino acid phenylethylamine, which increases alertness and passion (wink, wink)Just be sure to choose antioxidant-rich dark chocolateDark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, a powerful antioxidant that promotes healthy blood flow and circulation—a handy helper for sexual arousal, if you know what we mean. Look for one that lists natural cocoa powder high among its ingredients. Natural cocoa powder is known to be especially high in antioxidants, which may lower the risk of some cancers, stoke, and heart disease—which is as important, because it helps to be alive to reap the sexier of these benefits…

Oysters have long been considered the food of love and legend has it that Casanova, the lady’s man that he was, ate dozens of oysters each day—is he free to meet us for dinner? Oysters are rich in the mineral zinc, which is associated with male fertility, potency, and sex drive. The health benefits associated with zinc are equally important, though, as zinc promotes healthy metabolism and a healthy immune system. The daily requirement for zinc is 11mg for men and 9mg for females–slurp just two oysters and you’ve gotten enough (so, yes, you can then move it to the bedroom).

Strawberries have been touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since ancient Roman days, when the heart-shaped fruit was a symbol of Venus, the goddess of love. In France, the tradition of serving newlyweds cold strawberry soup is meant to ensure a romantic honeymoon. It’s also said that breaking a strawberry in half and sharing it brings love (worth a shot if it might be coming from Cupid’s Arrow, no? Try this recipe!). Strawberries can help you to keep your sexy curves because they are low in calories, (1 ¼ cup contains only 60 calories) and high in fiber (5g per serving).

Hot spices such as cayenne, curry and cumin can make you feel amorous because they warm and relax the body.  Capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their fiery kick, does this by increasing the heart rate and triggering the release of mood-enhancing endorphins. Bonus: capsaicin is also helpful for weight control because it revs up metabolism and satisfies appetite with smaller spicy portions.

Pine Nuts are sexier than other nuts. A half cup serving contains a hefty 9g of muscle-building protein so eating them can help boost stamina. Another plus: pine nuts are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, zinc and other nutrients that are thought to promote sexual desire.

Figs contains amino acids that can fire up sexual stamina. Fresh figs are sweet and exotic—making them a true pleasure food that’s perfect for sharing sliced, used in recipes by sautéing or pureeing them, or chopping them into succulent morsels. Fun fact, they’re also said to have been the great seducer, Cleopatra’s, favorite fruit.

Celery is rarely the first food that comes to mind when talking aphrodisiacs, but get this: when a man eats celery it prompts the release of pheromones through his sweat, acting as nature’s love potion.  And ladies, celery can make you feel sexier, too, because it’s great for slimming. Celery actually qualifies as a negative-calorie food; digesting celery burns more calories than it contains. Bloody Marys, anyone?

Watermelon contains the compound citrulline, an amino acid that increases nitric acid in the body, which has been shown to relax blood vessels and increase blood flow and sexual arousal. Ow, ow! This fruit does more than get us in the mood; it keeps us going strong thanks to a potent array of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Avocado in Aztec is “ahuacatl,” which means “testicle,” so there’s that… But also, brunch’s favorite fruit contains high levels of folic acid, vitamin B9, which increases energy, and vitamin B6, which has been linked to increased testosterone production. It’s also a great source of energy-sustaining fiber, so we cool with guac being extra? Yes, yes, very okay with that!