Proof

GET IN THE MOOD WITH HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES IT’S THE MONTH OF LOVE …

D o certain foods put you in an amorous mood? Aphrodisiacs, named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, are foods said to spike your sexual desire. What are aphrodisiacs? Food science researchers have looked for connections that show certain foods lead to an increase in desire. While not necessarily the key to spicing up your love life, certain foods do have ‘feel good’ compounds, such as capsaicin in chilli peppers that enhance bodily sensations or antioxidants in fruits like cherries, pomegranates, figs and strawberries that improve your blood flow. Others, like oysters, asparagus and figs simply resemble our more intimate body parts.

and chocolate-dipped strawberries is on the menu for you and your sweetheart, then why not indulge? While it won’t hurt to try a few of these every now and then, a more balanced diet is probably better in the long run. A heart-healthy approach to food, such as the Mediterranean diet, combined with staying physically active is a winning combination to have you feeling your best, ready for whatever happens next! Why is a Mediterranean way of eating good for you? The Mediterranean way of eating focuses on foods like olive oil, nuts, fruits and vegetables, legumes, whole grains and fish. Wine is part of the typical Mediterranean diet too, but you should drink it in moderation. This style of diet can also include some dairy and poultry ingredients, but, like wine, these are usually limited.

8 of the most common foods said to be known aphrodisiacs (whether they do put you in the mood or not is up for debate) …

artichokes asparagus chocolate fi gs oysters spicy chilli peppers

strawberries watermelon

Experiencing an increased libido while eating these foods may be more of a placebo effect than anything else. But, if a romantic dinner of oysters, asparagus

12 FEBRUARY 2024