Valentines Day is here, and it’s time to get your mojo on. So forget the candles and roses this year, just follow these tasty tips to get you in the mood… and you’ll be having a Va Va Voom Valentines Day all year round.
We enlist the help of expert nutritionist, Shona Wilkinson from Nutricentre to give us her top five tips for spicing up your Valentines Day.
Figs to keep things fresh
Shona explains “Figs have long been considered stimulants of fertility, in days gone-by. They also help secretion of pheromones. So, get set for feeling the love vibe eat 2-3 before getting down and dirty. Try adding to salads, stirring in to yoghurt, or simply eat on their own! Figs are high in amino acids, which help increase libido and boost sexual stamina.”
Get zealous with Zinc
For healthy sexual function (for both men and women). Shona advises “Go for raw oysters to boost dopamine hormone production, which in turn, increases the libido in both men and women. Other zinc-rich foods include cereals, beans and pulses. And, although a healthy testosterone production is vital for both men and women, it’s also a major component of sexual desire!’’
Bedroom B Booster
Up your B vitamins intake; they regulate your sex organs and sex hormones produced. Shona says ‘’The amount of vitamin B in the body correlates with the amount of sex hormones released. Any deficiencies can lead to lethargy and fatigue, so meaning more sleep and less sex! They also play a vital role to reduce anxiety; if you’re anxious, your sexual desire can be diminished. They help increase energy levels and improve blood flow which is necessary for a good, healthy sex life!” Try Quest’s new Mega B Complex, and all good health stores.
Chocolate Hit
Eating chocolate leads to higher levels of desire, arousal, and sexual satisfaction. Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA), which releases the same mood-altering endorphins that flood our bodies during sex and intensify feelings of attraction.
Give the gift of chocolate to your Valentine with these sumptuous award-winning Rum Sozzled Sultana Chocolate Truffles, £7.20
Go wild for Ginseng
Shona says, ‘Research found that women, who took ginseng as a supplement, found their libido increased quite dramatically in a month, which in turn, improved their overall sex life! If you can’t bear the thought of adding it (fresh) to your daily diet, go for supplements or sip on ginseng tea. Try Cytoplan’s Siberian Ginseng/600mg (£12.10 for 60 tablets)’ from nutricentre.com
