For a long time, February has been considered the month of love. A time to truly show those around you how much you love them be it with words, gifts or a gesture of some kind.
One of the things most commonly associated with love, Valentines and shared experiences with a loved one is food. It’s part of the norm to go out to dinner with a partner, to cook a special meal to celebrate news etc. Food is usually a part of most special occasions in some way, so why not when it comes to love.
There are some foods that are said to help in the art of love; those with everything from calming qualities to those that act like an aphrodisiac. So, when it comes to love, what food should you be eating?
CHOCOLATE
It should come as so no surprise that one of the biggest aphrodisiacs around is of course chocolate… brings a whole new meaning to that heart shaped box of chocolates you hand over to your partner doesn’t it?
In itself a sensuous food, plus it contains the chemicals anandamide and phenylethylamine, which boost serotonin levels – the feel-good hormone.
OYSTERS
Their appearance reeks of innuendo and as well as this they contain zinc which is heavily linked to our sexual hormones. However, experts believe it is actually how we eat them more than what they are that makes them a “love food.”
CHILLIS
Spicy food warms you up, gets your heart pumping, stimulates nerve endings and increases the blood flow, so there is definitely some truth in this one
WATERMELON
This is always a surprise to a lot of people but watermelon actually contains citrulline which relaxes the blood vessels and can make you feel calmer. Plus, we suppose, a healthier dessert option than chocolate though maybe not quite as decadent.
So next time you’re cooking a meal for someone you love, consider what ingredients you’re using. Each has it’s own properties but will a “love food” be on your menu?