Candlelight. Soft music. A bottle of wine. Sexy food. Yes, it’s time to start setting the scene for the highlight of the month of love (drum roll please), Valentine’s Day. And just in case you want to take things up a notch or five with your S/O in celebration of the day, Mediterranean Delicacies’ in-house chef, Brian Gomes, has put together his sublime list of foods known for their aphrodisiac qualities. Although you may be spoilt for choice when it comes to the food of love, Gomes shares his top 4 foods with aphrodisiac qualities:
4 Foods with aphrodisiac qualities
Taramasalata
One of the delicious ingredients of the smooth textured Mediterranean inspired Taramasalata is olive oil, which the Greeks of ancient times believed increased virility of the males.
Olive oil has been used to promote health over the centuries. Rich in antioxidants, this natural aphrodisiac is filled with the good fats in the form of omega-3s – those healthy things which play a role in the feel-good hormone dopamine. Omega-3s are also the heroes of the hormone arginine which releases nitric acid. This is important in increasing arterial flexibility, which according to amino-acidstudies.com means that nutrients and oxygen can be transported at a faster pace to the organs, which has an overall positive effect on potency, endurance and sexual performance.
Best of all, as Taramasalata is served as part of your appetisers, you set the mood for your night of love from the get-go.
Basil Pesto
Aromatic basil is associated with arousal and has long been used by the fairer sex to attract men. The herb also boosts circulation and protects the heart, which helps to increase libido. Basil Pesto is a suitable ingredient to use when grilling fish or meat, or even as part of a salad dressing.
Red Jalapéno Chillies
Capsaicin, the key ingredient that makes chillies hot, increases the heat in other areas too. This feisty component has many hidden charms such as the release of chemicals that can raise your heart rate and trigger those natural happy chemicals called endorphins, making you feel good whilst boosting your libido. These babies are perfect in salads or even as a pizza topping to add some zing to your meal.
Avocado Humus
Besides being a delicious addition to snack platters, avocados contain high levels of folic acid which helps metabolise protein, B6 and potassium. If you are wondering how this may serve you (and your love life), this translates to increasing male hormone production and regulating thyroid glands, two elements that increase libido in both men and women, according to soulmatefood.com.
Served as an appetiser, like in an avocado humus or even combined as an ingredient in a salad dressing, you are sure to raise a smile or two with this gastronomic delight.
“Food plays a central role in all of our interactions,” says the Mediterranean Delicacies chef. “And when it comes to the month of love, using these 9 ideas is a sure way to spice up your meal and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of your love.”
Imka Webb is a freelance digital marketing expert and the digital editor of Food & Home Entertaining magazine. www.imkawebb.com
