Repeat Favorite: Sex is Back

Of all my posts, one of my favorites and most read was a little something called "Let's Talk About Sex."

Revamped for your pleasure, please enjoy this tasty tidbit of love and nutrition!

What you eat affects all areas of your life, and that includes your SEX LIFE. Aphrodisiacs have been around since the beginning of time, and there is a lot of truth to their effects. If you are having trouble in the bedroom one of the first places you might want to look is your dinner table, but let’s separate the rumors from the truth.


Oysters have been given the sexy reputation of helping couples all over the world improve their action between the sheets - but do they work? Yes, but maybe not for the reasons you think. The largest portion of their aphrodisiac effect comes from their resemblance to the female…you know. Think about it…yep! Also, the smooth texture doesn't hurt. The way a food looks, smells, tastes, and even the way it feels plays a crucial role in its romantic powers.

Unfortunately, many "aphrodisiacs" are simply playing off their placebo effect. Girl thinks: "I want to be in the mood. What can I do? Oh, I'll prepare oysters!" So, she eats oysters and BAM! She gets busy with her man. The oysters get the credit, but in actuality, she probably put herself in the mood.

Don't worry, on top of this placebo effect there is some actual science here. Oysters are rich in zinc which is essential to testosterone production, sperm maintenance, and in sustaining female lubrication. Seafood generally is high in zinc, but unfortunately not all seafood resembles the female anatomy so vividly.

Nuts (ha) are another food very high in zinc, but their aphrodisiac reputation comes from another nutrient. Nuts contain Omega-3's, a precursor for prostaglandin, a hormone-like substance that plays a key role in sexual health.

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical irritant that increases heart rate, respiratory rate, sweating, and blood flow, mimicking the arousal response. Basically, you can use any hot spice to fake your way into feeling spicy!

Chocolate is the most researched aphrodisiac by far. Neurotransmitters serotonin and anandamide contribute to feelings of happiness and euphoria during sex - chocolate contains both. Thank you Hersey's!

For those of you who are more literal, just a good ole' fashioned reminder might help (foods that resemble the real thing). Bananas, peaches, melons…you get the picture!

If you are planning a romantic night that includes dinner and you want an after party, then stay away from high fat foods, especially red meat. Animal protein takes a loooooooonnnnnnngggggg time to digest and can leave you feeling sluggish and tired. That combo can lead to a pretty limp party.

Yes, food is highly related to sexual health, but honestly, the most effective way to increase your drive is to increase overall health. Being overweight decreases circulation, and if you have decreased blood flow, that means you aren't getting the needed blood flow for arousal. No stiff for your stiffy, if you catch my drift. Also, if you are over-stressed, on oral contraceptives, or habitually drinking alcohol, you could be depleting your stores of B vitamins, a component of sexual health. Increase your intake of whole grains, beans, and leafy vegetables to get your B vitamins back on track.

So, the perfect dinner? Start with a dark green salad topped with pine nuts and your favorite dressing. Pan sear chili pepper-seasoned salmon in olive oil, add a side of oysters, red wine to drink (but not too much), and dark chocolate for desert. After that, you and your partner will be down to get down!!