Hoping things will heat up after dinner – or breakfast? Luckily, you don’t need to rethink your daily dishes to get in the mood. The following one-ingredient additions to your go-to meals can get the sparks flying between you and your partner. Here are the easiest ways to work aphrodisiacs into your regularly scheduled meals.
Put spinach on your hamburger.
Later, lettuce. Stack spinach on your burger instead. ‘It’s a nutrient powerhouse, offering the mineral magnesium, which relaxes arteries and promotes blood flow to the genitals,’ says Virgin. ‘Optimal blood flow means more stimulation and stronger erections.’
Plus, one study showed that magnesium increases testosterone levels in men, adds Virgin. Magnesium also calms the body and ups your energy – two key components for a successful romp.
Sprinkle walnuts on a salad.
Salads are already a warm-weather staple; toss in walnuts and extra-steamy nights may be ahead. ‘They’re a great source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, and good heart function promotes great sex and functioning loins,’ says Dr. Rosofsky. Bonus: They’re natural anti-depressants, keeping you in a good mood for good sex. A handful of walnuts, which contains more than 2,500 mg of omega-3s, is plenty.
Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on rice
Forget about frying your rice. Elevate your grains in a healthier, racier way. Pomegranates are packed with antioxidants, which increase arterial blood flow to the brain, heart and genitals, according to Virgin. And you know what that can do! Add ½ cup of pomegranate seeds for each cup of rice for some sweet zest that’ll carry over to post-dinner fun. Works just as well with quinoa and other grains.
Have oysters to start
Bivalves aren’t just a fun appetizer to enjoy with a glass of bubbly. The mollusks are said to assist with testosterone production and spermatogenesis because of the zinc found in them. Amino acids and serotonin may also come into play, encouraging a pleasure response in our neural pathway.
Top an omelette with some caviar.
‘There is nothing sexier to me than a decadent spoonful of caviar on a buttery piece of toasted brioche,’ says Schaffer. Turns out, the pricey fish eggs can also lend a hand in boosting your libido, providing and extra dose of energy thanks to its zinc and protein content. The amino acid L-arginine may also increase blood flow, which could have you feeling frisky. If caviar toast or classic blinis don’t sound filling enough, make a meal out of it by adding a spoonful atop a fluffy omelette on date night, or for a sensual breakfast-in-bed.
Don’t forget chocolate for dessert.
If you’re making dinner for someone special, it’s usually a good idea to whip up a chocolatey treat to go with it. In addition to ending the meal on a sweet note, you’ll both get a dose of theobromine from your decadent dessert, which helps your brain produce serotonin that will keep the good vibes going. Go for dark chocolate to enjoy the added bonus of antioxidants.
