The juicy tomato, or "love apple," a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, was once a highly sought-after libido enhancer. Other veggies reputed to turn up the heat and fortify the body, include: beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsley, peppers, soybeans, spinach, truffles, turnips and watercress. Serve these foods often for optimal sexual health.

Savor fruits of the sea and lean proteins. Shellfish including abalone, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp, lobster and deep, cold-water fish like cod and halibut, fuel the body, brain the and sex drive. Oysters, for instance, are rich in zinc and iodine. Zinc, a vital sexual nutriment, is essential for testosterone production in men and women.
Eat lean meats. Meats such as chicken and turkey are healthful in moderation. "Good protein intake is important, but excessive amounts can interfere with sexuality," warns Elson Haas, M.D., and author of "Staying Healthy With Nutrition". If possible, choose organic meats to avoid hormones, antibiotics and other additives typically found in these foods. Nuts, seeds and beans are also excellent sources of protein. Both pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are sexual adjuvants.
Get a little on the side. Although a healthy diet provides most of the nourishment necessary for sexual wellness, a multivitamin/mineral supplement offers extra health insurance. Vitamins including A, the B group, C and E are necessary for sexual functioning. Vitamin E, for instance, supplies the sex organs with sufficient oxygen. B vitamins, including niacin and B-5, can help men and women reach orgasm and improve sexual stamina. Selenium, manganese and of course, zinc, are also vital in regulating hormones and revving up sex drive. Rather than taking these individually, take a multivitamin/mineral to ensure correct dosages. Check with your doctor to learn which brands he or she recommends.
The Erotic Element
Now that the ingredients are in place, it's time to have some fun!

Start by taking the time to savor each meal. Nutritious foods fuel our sexual energy, but it is the art of eating that can be truly erotic.

A lovingly prepared meal served in the proper ambience can precipitate passion. To help set the mood for a night of romance, try some of the following:

Prepare a dinner for two with your beloved. (How about cooking in the nude for some added spice?)
Spread a blanket on the floor set with candles and flowers, but no silverware.
Dim the lights and play music that sets the right mood.
Sip champagne, wine (one glass can be a turn on) or seltzer water.
Serve fingerfoods such as olives or raw vegetables and dip.
Feed your partner a juicy slice of mango, a delicate sliver of pear, or sweet grapes.
Take turns feeding each other in creative ways.(Offer to nibble ripe raspberries from your lover's chest.)
Finish with an arousing massage or a warm bubble bath.
For a real adventure, try a picnic in a secluded park, on the beach, or even in the bedroom. Pack light foods that can be fed to each other such as strawberries and chocolate, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, French bread and low-fat cheese. Wear something sexy. And don't forget a blanket. Treat each course as an overture to lovemaking.

Most importantly, eat well and with pleasure.

 

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