Chuck, I’ve heard that chocolate can ignite the passions of love. True? Are there other foods that do the same? – Larry W., Honolulu

There’s no better time than around Valentine’s Day to encourage right eating to enhance loving moods.

In last week’s article I discussed the correlations among the brain, body and bedroom. So discussing foods that fuel the fires of love is a perfect follow-up.

A couple of years ago, Psychology Today and Dr. G. Frank Lawlis, co-author of the “The Brain Power Cookbook,” teamed up to discuss foods that possess aphrodisiac qualities.

Just as some substances in excess can hinder romantic moods and performance, such as alcohol and even sugar, certain foods are believed to enhance sexual drive.

Here are a few of them from Dr. Lawlis’ and other health professionals’ lists:

• Ancient Romans regarded oysters as aphrodisiacs, likely because they are high in zinc, which increases sperm count and libido, high in D-aspartic acid and N-methyl-D-aspartate, which may increase testosterone and estrogen levels, and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which improve blood circulation and the nervous system. And according to Dr. Barbara Bartlik, assistant professor of psychiatry and sex therapist with the Human Sexuality Program at Weill Cornell Medical Center, “sex is really about circuitry.”

 

• Bananas are rich in potassium, magnesium and B vitamins, which contribute to healthy sex-hormone production, as well. They also contain the bromeliad enzyme and chelating minerals, which enhance male libido.

 

• Avocados, much like bananas, are rich in potassium, vitamin B-6 and folic acid, boosting sexual health and the immune system.

 

• Papaya has compounds that act like estrogen and has been used as a folk remedy in promoting menstruation, aiding in milk production, facilitating childbirth and increasing the female libido.

 

• Here’s what AlterNet reports on asparagus: “An English herbalist from the 17th century, Nicholas Culpepper, wrote that asparagus ‘stirs up lust in man and woman.’ In 19th century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the sexy spears at their prenuptial dinners. Apparently for a good reason: Asparagus is a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin and folic acid. The latter is said to boost histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.”

 

• Soy – found in soy milk, soy cheese (tofu), soybeans, etc. – contains isoflavones, which help promote healthy sexual organ function. However, be careful, for studies also have linked soy with increase risks of headaches and breast cancer.

 

• The amino acid arginine contributes to healthy blood flow and sexual response. Arginine is abundant in walnuts, peanuts, cashews, oatmeal, granola, dairy foods, green and root vegetables, ginseng, garlic, soybeans, chickpeas and seeds. These foods also contain healthy fats, which are required for the production of testosterone and estrogen.

 

• Though garlic typically is associated with not-so-romantic bad breath, it is also plentiful with allicin and arginine, ingredients that increase blood flow.

 

• Those in the Orient have long used ginseng as an aphrodisiac, as well as a natural treatment for stress-related symptoms. MedicineNet cites Christopher Saigal, M.D., assistant professor of urology at the UCLA School of Medicine, who said: “Ginseng, like a lot of herbs, is thought to work by helping the body make more nitric oxide – as does Viagra. A couple of good studies showed some effect from ginseng, so people can look at this as (a natural) alternative to Viagra. But it’s not going to be as effective as Viagra or Levitra or Cialis.”

 

• As far as other herbs and spices go, Science Daily reported in March 2011 that researchers from the University of Guelph studied natural aphrodisiacs in “the most thorough scientific review to date” and discovered that “panax ginseng, saffron and yohimbine, a natural chemical from yohimbe trees in West Africa, improved human sexual function. … People (also) report increased sexual desire after eating muira puama, a flowering plant found in Brazil; maca root, a mustard plant in the Andes; and chocolate.” (But remember that even herbs and spices can be detrimental if taken in excess or the wrong doses, so always consult your physician or health practitioner before changing or adding anything to your diet.)

 

• Chocolate, called “the king of natural aphrodisiacs,” contains feel-good chemicals anandamide, phenylethylamine and tryptophan, all of which promote a sense of well-being and relaxation. Chocolate also releases endorphins, which explains the craving and comforting feelings many associate with chocolate in times of stress. Though specifically not tied to sexual arousal in the Guelph study, chocolate’s chemical effects likely exacerbate sexual passions.

 

A word of caution in all of this discussion about natural aphrodisiacs: There is no singular love tonic or cure-all food, herb or medicine that will create arousal even if desire is absent, but the above list can enhance romance if a couple’s chemistry is right.

The fact is that a healthy diet and regular exercise enable proper human function in every respect, including sexuality. On the other hand, poor diet, no exercise and being overweight or obese can contribute to sexual dysfunctions, from low testosterone and estrogen levels to poor views of self. Just as saturated fats clog arteries, they can restrict blood flow to sexual organs, too.

Mostly, remember that when it comes to love, romance and healthy relationships, there are no replacements for mutual respect, daily thoughtfulness and sacrificial giving to fan the flames of love.

As the great Victor Hugo, the author of the classic “Les Miserables,” once said, “The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”

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