Polish off those NUTS: Foods YOU should eat to boost your libido for Valentine's Day
IT'S the most romantic month of the year, so pay attention to these aphrodisiac foods.
GETTY
Next weekend is Valentine's Day and everyone will be looking for aphrodisiac food
Next weekend marks Valentine's Day when people declare their love for one another, and single folk tend to hit the town with their friends for a fun night out.
But do you know what should be on the menu for a night of passionate love making?
Express.co.uk have got the low-down on all the top aphrodisiac foods and what they help you do.
Want to improve your performance in the sack? It might be a case of having a banana split after dinner - read on!
Out little yellow friends are tasty bundles of joy at the best of times, and who knew they could get you in the mood?
GETTY
Who knew celery was so good for your health AND sex life?
It turns out bananas are a great source of B vitamins, which are important for the manufacture of sex hormones.
Berries
Everyone knows berries are great for overall health and packed to the rafters with vitamin C.
But the little sweet treats are also high in antioxidants which help optimise blood flow to the sex organs.
Strawberry dipped in chocolate anyone?
Oysters
This one is infamous when it comes to aphrodisiac foods, but there is science to back up the myth.
These saltwater clams are rich in the mineral zinc which is important for the production of sex hormones.
Nuts
Unsalted nuts are a good source of dietary fibre and provide a wide range of essential nutrients. But one specific type - almonds - are also a prime source of essential fatty acids. This helps maintain a healthy balance of sex hormones.
GETTY
Oysters are the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of aphrodisiac foods
Beetroot juice
Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, is said to have eaten beetroot to maintain her charisma - and there might just be some science behind this.
Recent research has shown natural nitrates found in beetroot juice can boost Nitric oxide levels in the blood, giving a serious boost in stamina no matter what you're doing. From the rugby pitch to the bedroom, keep beetroot in mind.
Protein
Good quality protein contains l-arginine, an amino acid essential for normal blood circulation in those areas which are important to a healthy sex life.
Show you can chow down on that steak and not feel too bad about it - it's helping you get in the Valentine's Day mood.
Celery
Not everyone's favourite, but the health benefits of celery is undeniable - it could actually work better than a wingman to help get the ladies' attention.
This is because celery contains androstenene, a pheromone working to attract women to men. It will work its way through your body and comes out in your sweat (in a good way).
Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading Nutritonist, said: "If you don’t feel healthy, it’s extremely hard to feel sexy. So, as a first stop, make sure you eat a healthy diet. Good-quality unsaturated fats come from oily fish, eggs, nuts and seeds and take a good Omega 3 supplement.
"Fats are important for overcoming low libido because sex hormones (such as testosterone) are manufactured from the cholesterol contained within those foods. Also fats will also help to keep tissues like the vagina lubricated and soft."
