On Valentine's Day, there are certain foods you can eat that can possibly be aphrodisiacs. I have heard this for years and have wondered aloud if this could be possible or if it was just the stuff of legend. Well, apparently there is a scientific basis to all of this and the great editors of Men's Health will once again enlighten everyone on this subject...
Have Sex for Dessert
A meal that leads to bed but, not for sleep.
by the Editors of Men's Health
What fuels great sex? The clichéd stimulants, such as oysters and avocados, "aren't necessarily valid aphrodisiacs," says Barry Swanson, Ph.D., a professor of food science at Washington State University. Follow our menu for a libido-lifting, energy-boosting, three-course meal that will guarantee she stays for breakfast. Bon appétit! Your catch of the day starts here... GO!
FIRST COURSE
Drink: A glass of red wine
Why: Grape skins contain the antioxidant resveratrol, the closest thing we have to an actual aphrodisiac. It increases estrogen production, say Northwestern University researchers, and that heightens sexual appetite and makes lubrication easier for her later in the evening.
Red wines from muscadine grapes have a higher resveratrol content than other reds do, say researchers at Mississippi State University. But too much vino in too little time forces the body to absorb the alcohol quickly, causing drowsiness.
Appetizer: Shrimp cocktail
Why: The zinc-dense shrimp increase sperm levels and make orgasms more powerful, according to a study in Fertility and Sterility. They also contain a stress-reducing amino acid and the feel-good hormone serotonin.
SECOND COURSE
Entrée: Filet mignon au poivre (6 oz)
Why: High-protein foods boost production of dopamine and norepinephrine, hormones that increase alertness and assertiveness. Eating too much (and this goes for everything on the menu) can trigger your body to release cytokines—hormones that induce sleep. Black pepper aids digestion, according to an Indian Journal of Medical Research study, and is helpful for any energetic activities after dinner.
Side: Baked sweet potato
Why: It's high in potassium, which helps reduce stress, a great way to curb performance anxiety later that night. "The thing to avoid is dumping on a lot of salt, because the sodium can inhibit the potato's potassium," says Swanson. Top the potato with a dollop of sour cream, another source of libido-friendly protein.
Side: Spinach salad
Why: Spinach is a potent source of magnesium, which helps dilate blood vessels, ensuring the smooth bloodflow that's crucial for strong erections, according to Japanese researchers.
THIRD COURSE
Dessert: Fresh raspberries drizzled with melted dark chocolate
Why: British scientists have discovered that women release four times more endorphins after eating chocolate than they do after making out. The caffeine in chocolate also increases your alertness for what's to come after dessert. Try using Chocolove's Extra Strong Dark Chocolate (77 percent cacao) on the raspberries, and pair them with a glass of port. You'll get a double dose of polyphenols, antioxidants that increase your HDL (good) cholesterol.
Recipe for Seduction:
Seal the deal with these three dinner moves...
1.
Strategize Your Seating: Arrange the table so she'll sit with her back to the wall. "She'll feel like all your attention is focused on her instead of wandering about the room," says Joy Davidson, Ph.D., author of Fearless Sex.
2.
Don't Hurry to the Table: Meeting her at your front door with the food already on the table can be awkward. Instead, greet her with a glass of wine, give her a quick tour, and then seat her near the counter to watch you prep.
3.
Skip the Movie: "Rushing isn't sexy," says April Masini, author of Date Out of Your League. Time-sensitive activities, like going to the movies, are better for when you're not tied to a stove.
(
This was originally published in "Keith's Space" in 2008)
