When you are going through IVF, it’s fair to say that love, relationships and indeed your bank account can take a real battering. So, this Valentine’s Day, how about saving some pennies by staying in, and preparing a meal for your loved one using a selection of aphrodisiac ingredients recommended by Sue Bedford (MSc Nutritional Therapy)
Figs
This aphrodisiac has been used to increase virility since the ancient Greeks and was considered a symbol of love.
Why not enjoy some figs this Valentine’s Day
- With goats cheese
- At breakfast with whole grain porridge or with natural yoghurt and honey
- As a dessert poached in juice eat with yoghurt, crème fraiche or ice cream.
- As a sorbet
Strawberries
The antioxidants including vitamin C, and potassium in strawberries are all great for heart health and blood flow, and their sweet taste, bold red colour, and heart-like shape are all just romantic reminders that it’s Valentine’s Day!
Why not enjoy some strawberries this Valentine’s Day
- Dipped in dark chocolate
- In a strawberry smoothie
- Make a heart-shaped pavlova and top it with strawberries
Dark Chocolate
Why not treat your Valentine to some dark chocolate? While studies haven’t found that chocolate has a specific effect on libido, several have found that it can lead to notable improvements in mood, partially because it contains small amounts of stimulant chemicals like phenylethylamine, theobromine, and caffeine. Choose chocolate that contains over 80% cocoa solids where possible as they contain the highest levels of nutrients and less sugar.
Dark chocolate contains some important nutrients for health including antioxidants (flavonoids), iron, zinc, selenium and is also a great source of magnesium- which is good for mood! It’s also been known to lead to the release of endorphins and contains the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to feel-good brain chemical serotonin – plenty of reasons to enjoy some dark chocolate this Valentine’s Day.
Why not enjoy some Dark chocolate this Valentine’s Day
- In a mousse with avocado
- As a dip with berries
Shellfish
Oysters, Clams and Mussels are not everyone’s cup of tea, but these little morsels are rich in vitamin B12, which is great for helping balance hormone levels. The oyster is famous for being an aphrodisiac and for good reason — it contains zinc, which is linked to improving libido in men and also supports the immune system.
Why not enjoy some shellfish this Valentine’s Day
- Make a lovely moules mariniere
- Try some garlic and herb oysters
Asparagus
A tasty vegetable that is rich in folate. Asparagus contains a good amount of vitamin C and tops you up with zinc, manganese and selenium. Asparagus is also a good source of Vitamin E, which is involved in stimulating the production of sex hormones.
Why not enjoy some asparagus this Valentine’s Day
- Dipped in an organic free-range boiled egg or with a scrambled egg
- Make a lovely asparagus soup
- In a salad
- As an accompaniment to meat and fish dishes
Apples
Eve obviously knew something we didn’t when she went after that apple. This ‘forbidden fruit’ contains Phloridzin, a class of plant compounds called phytoestrogens that act like female sex hormones in the body, enhancing women’s libido and sexual health. A study conducted on Italian women found, accordingly, that those who ate one or two apples a day reported more sexual satisfaction. Polyphenols and antioxidants found in apples may also play a role by boosting heart health and circulation.
Why not enjoy some apples this Valentine’s Day
- Baked with cinnamon and natural yogurt
- Stewed on top of porridge
Eggs
Why not have scrambled or poached free-range organic eggs on sourdough toast for breakfast or brunch this Valentine’s Day? Rich in protein and vitamin D and packed full of vital vitamins and minerals, eggs are the cornerstone of a huge range of sweet and savoury dishes that are ideal for fuelling your body and improving your mood.
Why not enjoy some eggs this Valentine’s Day
- In an omelette
- Poached or scrambled on sourdough with a smashed avocado
- Boiled with asparagus
Amazing avocado
Avocados are amazing and are packed with more than 18 nutrients, are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and contain a small number of carbohydrates so great for helping balance sugar levels and energy levels too. They are high in vitamin B6, which is essential for male testosterone production. Nutrients like Vitamin E and B9 are also great for increasing energy.
Why not enjoy some avocado this Valentine’s Day
- As a dip in homemade guacamole with pomegranate
- Smashed on sourdough with egg
- As a mousse with dark chocolate
