With Valentine’s Day right around the corner we decided to give Cupid a bit of help spreading the love with Zilphy’s Garden Top 6 Sexy and Healthy Food picks.
Avocados. All of that omega 3 fatty acid and vitamin E in avocados are not just good for your heart, they help boost estrogen, testosterone and progesterone. Avocados were said to have aphrodisiac properties by ancient Mayan and Aztecs cultures. Today they are being used as a remedy for erectile dysfunction. It looks like we are still learning from the Mayans and Aztecs.
Try them lightly grilled in olive oil and tossed along side a veggie omelette for a heart-healthy and protein packed breakfast that will keep you powered right through your romantic day.
Truffles. I know they don’t look very sexy, but the lowly truffle is one of the sexiest foods growing. Yes, they are mushrooms and pricy ones at that. But truffles are loaded with protein and low in fat and calories. They have a chewy meaty taste and texture that won’t send you into a meat coma after dinner the way a steak is likely to do. It is believed that the mere smell of certain truffles has an instant effect on the female libido.
For a simple, yet elegant main course, sauteed truffles with a small clove of minced garlic, a sprinkling of italian herbs in a robust extra virgin olive oil until truffles are tender and garlic and herbs are aromatic. Toss the truffles over a light fettuccine pasta. Brighten with a squeeze of lemon juice and top with freshly grated Pecorino cheese.
Pomegranates. Contain more antioxidants than most other fruits. All of those antioxidants allow more blood to flow through blood vessels. No wonder pomegranates have been used throughout history to promote fertility.
Share this sweet juicy fruit with your special Valentine by tossing the juice and seeds over a bed of baby green salad leaves sprinkled with walnuts and sweet goats cheese. Or make a refreshing spritzer by making a drink of 50% pomegranate juice to 50% seltzer water. Add juice from half of a small orange or a squeeze of lemon. Pour over ice and enjoy!
Watermelon. Although it is not watermelon season, we have to mention this libido boosting super food. Watermelon increases nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes blood vessels which can speed up circulation all through the body.
Juicy, red and sweet– toss chunks of watermelon with fresh basil, a seeded and diced cucumber and plump blackberries for a light and sensuous treat.
Dark Chocolate. Nothing screams Valentine’s Day more than chocolate. Ditch the milk chocolate and indulge your sweetheart with 70+ or higher cocoa. Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants, high in fiber, loaded with nutrients and great for your heart and your love life.
Try hand feeding your sweetheart a juicy red strawberry covered in smooth as silk bitter-sweet dark chocolate, then watch what happens.
Saffron. Whoever first said “Salt is the spice of life,” never met saffron. This exotic spice takes first place on our sexy foods list. Saffron contains certain antioxidants that are believed to increase sexual desire and arousal. In Ancient Rome newlyweds sprinkled saffron on their honeymoon beds. Legend has, Alexander the Great used saffron to boost his power and Cleopatra bathed in it before meeting Mark Antony — poor guy never stood a chance. Saffron is super expensive, but a little goes a very long way.
The strands should be soaked for about 15 minutes in hot liquid before using. You can add saffron to soups or mix with grains like quinoa or Forbidden Rice for a sexy side dish.
This food list might just make your kitchen the sexist room in the house.
Healthy Valentine’s Day! XOXO
