fruits and vegetables, true fruit juices, true teas (not herbal teas), whole grains and celery, to name a few examples. Dr. Mehmet Oz, from the medical talk show of the same name, also suggests some of the best foods to put you in the mood on his website, www.dr.oz.com. Always touting the benefits of walnuts, Oz continues his love affair with this nut simply because it’s a good source of omega-3 fatty acids which are known to boost the brain’s “pleasure chemical,” dopamine. Dark chocolate that consists of at least 70 percent cocoa also can increase dopamine levels. Oz also suggests something that mothers have been serving to their kids for a healthy snack option: celery with peanut butter. For men, raw celery includes androsterone, which is a “male hormone thought to attract women.” For women, peanut butter is high in monounsaturated fats, which increase dopamine, therefore boosting female sexual pleasure. For both genders, celery is simply a great low-cal food that also doubles as a breath freshener. And who doesn’t appreciate fresh breath when you are in extremely close quarters with someone? People also should look into herbal remedies and essential oils for improved sex. Christen Sherwood, clinical herbalist of the Healing House Herb Shop in Clear Lake, recommends Damiana, Peruvian maca and ginkgo biloba for sexual enhancement. Damiana is well known in Southwestern cultures as a sexuality tonic. It stimulates the intestinal tract and brings oxygen to the genital area. It also increases energy levels, which does a lot to restore libido and desire. In women, Damiana often restores the ability to achieve orgasm. An aphrodisiac for both men and women, this herb, if used long-term, can improve sexual fitness and performance. Besides bringing herbal remedies into our lives, essential oils can also help to “set the mood.” According to Sherwood, jasmine boosts confidence, as does ylang ylang. A boost of confidence certainly will boost the atmosphere in the bedroom. So will vanilla, a long-time sweet, enticing scent well-beloved by men. Other oils with aphrodisiac properties are rose, patchouli and sandalwood.
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1. Whole Grains For a sexier breakfast in bed, choose oatmeal. It’s high in zinc and can increase testosterone, therefore increasing sexual desire in men and women.
2. Chocolate This rich source of magnesium will soothe nerves. Chocolate also raises the body’s endorphins and produces dopamine, the brain chemical that surges during orgasm in both males and females.
3. Oysters It’s all about the zinc here! Oysters are the richest food source of zinc. (If you don’t like oysters, munch on sesame or pumpkin seeds or eat your spinach!)
4. Chili Peppers “Hot spicy foods can lead to hot spicy sex!” according to Pirello.
5. Chia Seeds The same seeds that grow chia pets will increase your body’s ability to feel stimulation. (www.nutsonline.com)
6. Ginger, Garlic and Onions Christina Pirello, one of America's authorities in natural and whole foods, said that these alliums will give you the “stamina that pharmaceuticals can only promise!” Some religious sects ban the consumption of these foods because they believe the foods “feed desire!”
7. Olive Oil Rachael Ray has it right. Her recommendation of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) is actually rich in Vitamin E, which is shown to improve sexual function.
9. Soy Soy relaxes and cools the body. It also increases vaginal lubrication and is beneficial to prostrate health.
8. Tomatoes Called “love apples” by the Puritans for their sinful sexual stimulation, tomatoes have the antioxidant lycopene, a powerful libido enhancer in both men and women.
10. Artichokes Simply eating artichokes increases our response to stimulus. “And increased response to stimulus means better sex,” according to Pirello. • source: www.huffingtonpost.com