For Valentine’s Day, 9 foods you didn’t know were aphrodisiacs

Certain foods are believed to be aphrodisiacs, or foods that can help increase sexual drive and fertility. For instance, some would say a meal of oysters, with a glass of red wine and chocolate souffle, would be great for your libido, if not your calorie count.

But some lesser-known foods might also add a little magic. Here are nine foods you may have never thought of as aphrodisiacs. And many can be found simply by visiting your local grocery store.

1) Carrots

According to a recent study by the Harvard University School of Public Health, eating yellow- and orange-colored foods is good for sperm. And specifically, carrots can improve the little swimmers’ performance by 6.5% to 8%. If you’re looking to enhance the quality of your sperm, add a couple of sweet potatoes and melons to your diet.

2) Almonds

They’re often thought of as a healthy snack, but almonds can also help put women in the mood, nutritionists say. Mitzi Dulan, nutrition expert, writes “the aroma of almonds is believed to arouse female passion.” She also notes almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, protein and fiber, which all help you feel satisfied.

3) Fenugreek

The herb, used commonly in Indian recipes, was found to increase libido in a study done by the Center for Integrative Clinical and Molecular Medicine in Australia. Fenugreek is believed to increase certain hormones that make men libidinous.

4) Bananas

The fruit may spur flashbacks to that uncomfortable session in high school sex-ed, but bananas are said to be quite the mood enhancer. They are rich in bromelain, an enzyme that can boost testosterone levels, and vitamin B6, a feel-good vitamin that can increase serotonin.

5) Watermelon

Watermelon could have a Viagra-like effect for some men, claims a researcher at the Fruit and Vegetable Improvement Center at Texas A&M University, College Station. The melon contains an amino acid called citurlline, which can help with blood vessel dilation in men.

6) Egg yolks

The yolk of the egg increases desire by helping to prevent depression, according to psychiatrist Drew Ramsey, and coauthor of the book “The Happiness Diet.” Eggs contain L-arginine, an amino acid that may help to alleviate erectile dysfunction.

7) Sushi

Haven’t decided where to have dinner yet? You may want to go for sushi. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and mackerel are believed to help produce sex hormones, while the selenium in tuna can increase sperm count. And according to Lou Paget, author of “The Great Lover Playbook,” the phytoestrogens in edamame are good for female sexuality.

8) Asparagus

Research has shown the vegetable may actually help increase male performance. James J. Elist, a doctor who specializes in fertility-related topics for men, notes asparagus can reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.

9) Honey

The natural sweetener can be an extra sweet addition to the meal. It’s rich in B vitamins, which increase testosterone production, and the fructose in honey may also help with stamina.

Want more quirky food news? Follow me on Twitter: @Jenn_Harris_

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