Just about every food you can think of has made the aphrodisiac hit list at one time or another--and most of it is bosh. But not quite, says Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of Age-Proof Your Body. Although there's no proof that any food will consistently boost desire, there is definitely something seductive about these five.
1. Bright foods
If someone's diet is a junk-food debacle, their love life may be too,
because the quality of our sexual experiences fluctuates with our
overall health, says Somer. But reversing the effects of poor nutrition
improves energy, mood, and even conception rates. And since brightly
colored fruits and veggies are the most nutrient-packed foods you can
eat, consuming nine-a-day could rev up your night life.
2. Lite foods
Men with romance on their minds should think low-fat. University of
Utah School of Medicine researchers found that testosterone levels
plunged 50 percent in men after they drank a rich milk shake containing
57 percent fat calories.
3. Chocolate This
melt-in-your-mouth delectable has been called irresistible, wicked and
divine--no wonder eating it makes us think of other pleasurable
indulgences. But there's actually a possible scientific explanation for
its effects. "Chocolate contains a compound called phenylethylamine or
PEA that stimulates the nervous system, increases blood pressure and
makes your heart beat faster--creating feelings similar to being in
love," says Somer.
4. Alcohol Wine and liquor
may rate as love potions because alcohol depresses higher brain
centers, suppressing anxiety and inhibitions. But there's a hitch: More
than one or two drinks slows arousal and increases clumsiness. Oops.
Even Shakespeare wrote about alcohol's double-edged side: "It provides
the desire, but it takes away the performance."
5. And, yes, oysters
The belief that oysters boost fertility has some basis in fact: Just
one usually supplies the daily requirement for zinc, a trace mineral
that's essential for conception. Even a brief shortage of zinc impairs
ovulation in women and reduces semen and testosterone in men. However,
while getting the recommended 15mg of zinc a day will help sustain
normal sexual function, larger doses will not turn a couch potato into
Casanova!
Happily, not only is the food of love suprisingly healthy, so is love itself: Long-term loving relationships can make your RealAge as much as 6.5 years younger.
