11 Aphrodisiac Foods to Cook up a Hot Valentine’s Day Meal

Valentine’s Day may seem like a Hallmark Card holiday to some, but to foodies like me, it becomes a holiday to celebrate some of the world’s sexiest foods, also known as aphrodisiacs. Just going back to my Greek roots for a second…aphrodisiac derives from the Greek word aphrodisiakos, which means “inducing sexual desire.”

The Green Divas are all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes our sexual health. Why not “get in the mood” this Valentine’s Day with your partner by preparing a meal that incorporates one (or more) of these love-foods? Here are 11 Green Diva approved aphrodisiacs for February 14. Enjoy these aphrodisiac foods on your own or with a beloved partner!

1. Oysters

Not only are these little guys pretty phallic looking, but they are also have a reputation for promoting love and fertility. Oysters are high in zinc and amino acids, which some research has suggested could trigger the production of sex hormones.

2. Honey

Just the process of making honey is pretty sexy. Already before being eaten, it is symbolic of procreation. In fact, the word “honeymoon” got its name from the alcoholic mead beverage made from honey which in laws used to give to a happy bride in groom on their wedding night to encourage uninhibited love-making. Honey also contains boron, which helps regulate estrogen and testosterone levels–ultimately providing a natural energy burst. Looking to make a sweet treat with honey this Valentine’s Day? check out my recipe for Baklava here.

3. Strawberries

In olden-times, people thought strawberries were symbolic of fertility due to all the seeds located on the skin of the fruit. Regardless, I think just the act of eating a strawberry has sexual connotations. Eat them with or without a partner for a healthy, vitamin C-packed boosts that encourages blood flow to all regions of the body.

4. Chocolate

Need I saw more? The Green Divas LOVE chocolate. Actually, we love it so much that I actually did a post earlier last fall called Four Delicious Reasons to Love Chocolate. Chocolate is sensual on so many levels. From its taste, to its smell, it supposedly mimics the complex scent of a partner. Dark chocolate in particular has been shown to increase dopamine levels in the brain after being eaten, which induces feelings of pleasure. Even the Aztec’s felt that chocolate provided strength and they chose to drink a version of hot chocolate before any sacred ritual or battle for that reason. Check out my recipe for Chocolate Bark for a sweet treat. Also, Green Diva Meg has an AMAZING hot chocolate recipe. Check out her post Green Divas Foodie-Phile: DIY Divine Vegan Hot Cocoa Mix Gift Jar. Trust me, I’m drinking some right now and I might as well be in love.

5. Olive Oil

Olive oil is jam-packed with antioxidants and has been used for centuries to promote good health. The Greeks believed that eating olive oil made men more virile. Some experts say that it is a good source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are critical for a healthy heart, blood flow and hormone production. I personally think it’s a great way to keep your skin soft during these dry winter months.

6. Chili Peppers

This spice has a pretty exotic reputation thanks to its bright red color, which could be why it symbolizes love. Due to the spiciness, chili peppers stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel good chemicals), speed up heart rate and make you sweat, which mimic arousal patterns of the human body.

7. Bananas

Bananas contain bromelain, which supposedly is an enzyme which can trigger testosterone production. It also contains vitamin b and potassium which help elevate energy levels. Honestly, with its phallic shape, there is no denying that bananas already look like a sexual food.

8. Pine Nuts

These little guys are high in zinc, like oysters, which has been linked to a healthy libido. They are also considered an aphrodisiac because of the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones. Why not make a pesto with pine nuts, basil and olive oil? Combining those three ingredients could certainly improve performance between the sheets.

9. Arugula

This peppery plant has been documented as an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Research suggest that minerals and antioxidants found in dark leafy greens like arugula have also been proven to block environmental contaminates that could negatively harm libido.

10. Figs

Okay, okay. You’ve already heard about my adoration for these lovely little fruits in my post earlier this year called Getting Figgy with it” 5 Awesome Things About Figs, but this food is totally an aphrodisiac too. The Bible references this fruit when Adam and Eve discovered their sinful ways and covered their neither regions with fig leaves. Paradoxically, figs symbolize both sexuality (the ripe fruit with seeds representing fertility) and modesty. They are full of potassium and are an antioxidant powerhouse. No wonder they were Cleopatra’s favorite food.

11. Chai Tea: The Ultimate Aphrodisiac

Chai tea embodies the epitome of an aphrodisiac because it includes cloves, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom in a complex tea reduction. All four of those spices were used by ancient and oriental healers to increase libido. Plus, many of those scents are found in a variety of colognes and perfumes. By combining these four aphrodisiacs, chia tea should be considered a love-making power house.

Looking for more information on plants and foods that are aphrodisiac? check out Helen Yoest’s latest book Plants With Benefits: An Uninhibited Guide to the Aphrodisiac Herbs, Fruits, Flowers & Veggies in Your Garden. She provides great insight into the history and health benefits of different plants to get you “in the mood.

BONUS:
Listen to the latest Green Divas Foodie-Philes podcast

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