Sexy Valentine’s Day Foods

When I was invited to discuss the elements of a better-sex diet on a local San Francisco TV program, I was confused. “I’m no Dr. Ruth, I’m not a sexologist, and I’m not a psychologist,” I reminded the producer. “I’m a nutritionist.” But she wanted my take. And my curiosity set in.

I hopped online. Many aphrodisiac websites continue to market gimmicky remedies, touting everything from Spanish fly to rare Himalayan oils. But I also found real studies that showed how issues related to diet and body weight can have a major role in our sexual performance, pleasure, and, in some cases, fertility.

Here’s some of what I talked about on the show.

A low-quality diet generally equals low-quality sex. And being overweight makes it physically and psychologically difficult to get in the mood. (It’s hard to feel sexy when your muffin top is pooching over your undies.) But there’s more to it.

A man’s sexual health is directly related to the size of his … belly. Excess belly fat is especially bad because the fat can alter the delicate balance of sex hormones. A 2006 study indicated that being obese or having a waistline over 40 inches virtually doubles a man’s risk of erectile dysfunction. Another study, released earlier this year, showed that obese men were more likely to have low sperm counts and slower swimmers than men of normal weight.

For women, belly fat means more than body-image anxiety, it can also lead to irregular ovulation, making it harder to conceive.

Clearly, dropping a few pounds if you’re overweight is one of the best ways to help improve your sex life and virility.

In the meantime give a boost to you and your amour’s libidos. Of the many-hyped aphrodisiacs out there, these are the sexiest. And they’re all heart healthy! Put them on your Valentine’s Day menu.

Dark chocolate: There is some evidence that chocolate puts us in the mood for love by raising levels of serotonin, the feel-good chemical, in the brain. Delicate, juicy, and delicious—chocolate-covered strawberries are truly seductive.

Oysters: Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc, which is essential for male reproductive health.

Alcohol: A drink or two can relax you and help reduce inhibitions. But watch out: Too much can impede arousal.

Almonds: Long considered a sexual stimulant, almonds are rich in minerals that are considered important for sexual health and reproduction, such as zinc and selenium.