The countdown to the big day is on, with mere days to go many of us have already started planning our Christmas menu.
You might be surprised to learn that many classic Christmas foods are packed full of all the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep you feeling festive long after the in-laws have gone home.
Intimacy Experts at Kiiroo have researched the festive aphrodisiacs most likely to be found on your Christmas dinner table this year.
| Oysters Oysters have been used as an aphrodisiac since the Roman Empire, and supposedly were regularly enjoyed by Casanova himself. Combine them with champagne and you have the perfect indulgent festive brunch. Oysters are a fantastic source of zinc, they actually contain a higher amount per serving than any other food. Zinc is essential for both male sexual function and fertility. Like other shellfish, oysters are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to boost blood flow, and may even help treat erectile dysfunction. Cinnamon One of the essential festive flavours, there is a reason the cinnamon latte is a mainstay on coffee shop festive menus. It’s not just Christmas that cinnamon gets us in the mood for. This exotic spice is a source of the mineral manganese, which is essential to sexual health with well-documented aphrodisiac effects. Like other warming spices such as ginger and nutmeg, cinnamon increases blood flow and raises body temperature. The libido-boosting benefits of cinnamon are so well known you can now buy it in capsule form, but there are plenty more enjoyable ways to incorporate it into your diet this Christmas. Dates A classic Christmas day snack, dates have been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries and are well known to improve sexual stamina, for this reason in some cultures they are given as a gift to newlyweds. Considered both exotic and sacred, this sticky, dark fruit with sweet flesh is packed full of vitamins, minerals and amino acids that replenish energy, and revitalise the body. Walnuts Another classic festive snack, walnuts are one of the greatest plant based proteins around. They are a rich source of vitamins B1 and B2, giving the body energy and contributing to good sexual health. They also contain vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin F, which are fatty acids essential to overall health, as well as being a great source of zinc which regulates testosterone levels. Turkey It wouldn’t be Christmas without Turkey, and fortunately, the traditional Christmas lunch centre piece provides plenty of vital lean protein. This protein-rich meat is excellent at norepinephrine production, a hormone and neurotransmitter which increases alertness, arousal and attention, a good reason to treat yourself to an extra slice. Champagne The ultimate in festive luxury, and there is a lot of magic in those seductive bubbles. They are the primary reason that Champagne hits the bloodstream faster than wine, helping to loosen inhibitions under the mistletoe. Not only that, the sensation of them tickling the nose is shown to elevate the mood, while small sips of alcohol help to relax blood helping both men and women achieve arousal easier. The good news if you’re on a budget is that all the above applies to other sparkling wines, including Cava and Prosecco. Cranberry Sauce Most commonly consumed as a juice to help women avoid UTIs, Cranberries like most fruits have even more benefits when consumed whole. Increasingly common on the Christmas lunch table, you want to look for the brightest, most vibrant berries to make a sauce that will pump up your festive libido. A relative of the blueberry, cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, and studies have shown that these tart berries have a positive impact on the vaginal microbiome. Red Wine Red wine has been associated with love and lust since the ancient Greeks who drank it as a celebration of sensuality and fertility. The Romans were equally fond of a tipple and gave both red wine and grapes as gifts to newlyweds to ensure fertility. Today it is well known that red wine is full of antioxidants that promote good vascular health helping blood circulation – crucial to arousal in men and women. Chocolate If there is one thing there is never a shortage of at Christmas it is chocolate! Since ancient times chocolate has been used as an effective aphrodisiac, thought to increase sexual desire, and even improve sexual performance. This can be explained by the fact that chocolate contains the chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, known to be both mood boosters and mild sexual stimulants, creating feelings of mild euphoria. Salmon Another great source of protein, a smoked salmon starter will provide plenty of stamina. The fish has traditionally been served to new husbands to keep their strength up. Salmon is packed with Omega 3s, which have been proven to raise serotonin levels, great for lifting the mood in winter, as well as vitamins A, D, B and calcium, all known to boost the sex drive. “You might be surprised to learn just how many of your favourite festive foods are in fact powerful aphrodisiacs. Turkey, packed full of lean protein will have you raring to go, but no need for vegans to worry, just ensure that the Christmas nut roast is stuffed full of walnuts for plenty of energy-boosting b vitamins and zinc to regulate testosterone. Seafood has long been known for its sexual health benefits, both zinc-heavy oysters and omega-3-loaded salmon make the perfect starter to ensure there is plenty of lead in the festive pencil.” |
