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Sexy food to seduce your lover
13/02/2007 09:33 - (SA)
Asifa Essop
Durban - Hold on to that second glass of wine, warns the porter in Shakespeare's Macbeth. It provokes desire, but takes away performance.
Eternally wise words, bearing in mind that Valentine's Day is around the corner.
But, is there basis of fact for aphrodisiacs?
And which, if any aphrodisiacs, have health benefits?
Durban dietician Priya Lalla says topping the list is asparagus. Boiled or steamed, asparagus is high in potassium, which is essential for keeping your heart rate up.
Almonds come a close, romantic second.
Never underestimate avocadoes, served in slices with a small amount of balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper. Avocadoes are high in monounsaturated fat, which helps prevent heart disease.
Dark chocolate contains antioxidants
And thank the heavens for chocolate. Dark chocolates contain antioxidants that are useful in preventing cancer and heart disease.
Chocolate has the power to heighten the arousal of that critical Valentine's organ, the tongue.
Add strawberries, another aphrodisiac.
And at last a justification for carrot cake.
Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which our body converts to Vitamin A for good eyesight, good skin and a healthy immune system.
Everyone knows about oysters. Eaten raw with a dash of lemon juice, oysters are packed with protein and zinc, which is thought to enhance immunity.
Pineapples, raspberries and strawberries are high in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant.
Excess alcohol
A glass or two of red wine comes packed with antioxidants. Excessive alcohol, though, could have a reverse effect on your romance.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that most aphrodisiacs are based on folklore.
"No scientific proof exists that over-the-counter aphrodisiacs work to treat sexual dysfunction," the FDA states.
Not so, cried the ancients, who believed that an object that looked like genitalia possessed sexual powers.
Amongst the celebrity A-list aphrodisiacs are oysters and rhino horn.
Curry lovers
Curry lovers are more likely to break out in a sweat over nothing.
Spicy food does nothing but mimic the reactions of sexual arousal, which is usually an increased heart rate and perspiration.
Be warned. Experimenting with aphrodisiacs can in some cases be fatal.
A classic example is rooted in the popular aphrodisiac, Spanish fly.
Taken even in small doses, it has been known to cause permanent damage to kidneys and genitalia, and can burn the mouth and throat, scars the urethra and can lead to death.
Low sexual performance
Think about avoiding a hard day at the office this February 14th.
Doctors have linked constant fatigue to low sexual performance.
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South Africa
