We often think about our physical and emotional health, but what about our sexual health? Possibly a topic many would rather avoid for a variety of reasons, but one that deserves more attention.
In my Sexual Health Corner, I will be addressing topics of interest such as sexual enhancers that support men and women's sexual health, energy, and stamina!
On a serious note, I will also be revealing the reality of sexually-transmitted diseases (STD's) and how you can protect yourself. If you have any of these diseases, which I know many of you do, you'll learn how you can protect others. We will also learn about various cancers, in relation to prevention and early detection.
Whether you are male or female, straight, bisexual, or gay, I will be inviting you to let me know your thoughts and ask any sexual health related questions. Though I am not a doctor, I am here to talk and discuss topics that are on your mind, as long as it's sexual health related and in good taste.
Support Sexual Health
In this article, I will be talking about setting your love life on fire - making your sex life sizzling hot!
Setting the mood for love may require more than just candles and soft music - although together, both do create an aura of intimacy. Foods in many forms and textures have played a historical role in our sexuality, which is why some people agree that food plays an even more important role, while setting the mood for love.
The phallic shape of a banana and cucumber, the delicate fuzz and sweet juice of a ripe peach, the silkiness of melted chocolate, the bite of spice from a hot pepper - all are inviting and appealing to both the taste buds and an erotic imagination.
If you want to talk about an imagination, the ancient Aztec name for avocado was "ahuacatl," meaning testicle tree, because of the fruit's appearance. During avocado harvests, virgin girls were even forbidden from going outdoors!
Today, research has shown that some of the most popularly known aphrodisiacs are proven to contain certain vitamins and minerals that contribute to a sexual health.
The food of love, oysters, were made legendary by the Romans in the second century A.D., and legend tells that Casanova ate dozens of oysters a day, once even seducing a vestal virgin by sliding an oyster from his lips to hers. True or not, Casanova, here are some known facts.
Erotic Nutrition Facts, A-To-Z
Asparagus: instantly recognized by its own suggestive shape, happens to be high in vitamin E, suggested to support sexual health. Feed your lover boiled or steamed spears for a sensuous experience.
Almonds: For centuries, almonds have been a symbol of fertility, and the aroma was thought to induce passion in a female.
Aniseed: Since the Greeks and the Roman times, this popular spice is known to increase your desire when sucking on the seeds.
Arugula: Since the first century A.D., Arugula or "rocket" seed has been suggested to support sexual health.
Avocado: With its appearance, the avocado tree was named by the Aztecs, "Ahuacuatl," translating to "testicle tree". The Aztecs thought the fruit on the tree hanging in pairs resembled a man's testicles. At times of harvest, virgin girls were kept indoors.
Bananas: Rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. Visually, it's easy to see the banana's phallic shape making them a popular aphrodisiac food.
Basil (Sweet Basil): Supports energy and sexual health, while producing a general sense of calm for your body and mind.
Broccoli Rabe (And Other Mustard Greens): The ground seeds of various plants in the brassica family were believed to support vigor.
Carrots: Believed to stimulate the male - carrots were used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction.
Caviar: Expert lovers Casanova, Dostoevsky, and Rasputin prize these costly high protein fish eggs.
Chilies: May amp up your energy, due to capsaicin - the substance that gives kick to peppers, curries and other spicy foods. Capsaicin works by stimulating nerve endings to release chemicals, raising the heart rate and possibly triggering the release of endorphins.
Chocolate: No edible erotic discussion would be complete without chocolate. Continually the traditional lover's gift, research suggests the stimulant phenylethylamine, found in chocolate, supports a sense of well being and excitement.
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods," and scientists agree. Chocolate contains chemicals thought to effect neurotransmitters in the brain and a related substance to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate contains more antioxidants than red wine.
Coffee: A stimulant which can support energy, in just small amounts.
Cucumbers: Obviously phallic in shape, these cool vegetables were believed to stimulate a woman's olfactory senses (sense of smell).
Figs: Traditionally thought to support sexual health, an open fig is thought to resemble the female sex organs.
Garlic: Share with your partner (within meals, in moderation) and let the "heat" in garlic stir your sexual desires.
Ginger: Support your circulatory system with ginger root in all forms, such as raw, cooked or crystallized.
Honey: Thought to "sweeten" a marriage - lovers over the centuries have used honey in romantic recipes.
Liquorice (Licorice): Popular since ancient times, the Chinese have used the essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plant, glycrrhizin (50 times sweeter than sugar), to support health. Particularly stimulating to woman, chewing on bits of licorice root is said to support sexual health.
Mussels: Related to the oyster, mussels deliver more sex appeal to your pallet and senses.
Mustard: Used in cooking, mustard is said to stimulate the support vigor.
Nutmeg: In quantity, nutmeg can produce a hallucinogenic effect - but with a sprinkling it can heat up your night; an aphrodisiac fact known by Chinese women for years.
Onions: The ancient Hindu, Egyptian, and Arabic kitchens kept onions close by at all times. Onions are powerful on both your breath and in the bedroom.
Oysters: Were popular with the Romans in the second century A.S. Very nutritious and high in protein, a common thought is that the oyster resembles the female genitals. They are high in zinc, a mineral used in the production of testosterone.
Peaches: The Chinese have known for centuries that this ripe, sensual fruit is as engaging to the sex drive as it is to the palate. Feed to your lover whole for a juicy, delectable delight. Select firm, unblemished fruit, and then store it in a paper bag until it's perfectly ripe.
Pine Nuts: Since Medieval times, with their rich zinc content, pine nuts have been used to support energy and sexual health.
Pineapple: Is a delicious and healthy treat do to its vitamin C content
Raspberries & Strawberries: These "fruit nipples" as described in erotic literature, are high in vitamin C, and are perfect finger foods to share with your lover.
Truffles: With their musky scent, said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch, French chefs prized them. The Greeks and the Romans all ate them for their amatory powers.
Vanilla: Enjoyed by both women and men, the warm scent of vanilla is believed to increase lust.
Wine: An erotic drinking experience, wine relaxes and helps to stimulate our senses. A glass or two can lead to after dinner romance, but chance drinking more and your night may not have the same closing act.
Additional certain smells of foods are noted to be sexually arousing - such as pumpkin pie and buttered popcorn for men and licorice candy for women. Mmmmmm!
Supplements to support sexual health
Besides these traditional foods, there are modern supplements which may be useful to supporting sexual health. The benefits may include:
- Support sexual energy and health.
- Improving athletic performance.
- Support healthy testosterone levels.
- Promoting overall health.
In addition, working out can improve self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, leading to a world of intimacy you will look forward to and enjoy.
Below are some incredible herbal products for male & female intimacy, which are made to heat up your love life.
For men, the best supplements for supporting sexual health may include yohimbe, horny goat weed, tribulus and maca.
For men Saw Palmetto and Ginkgo Biloba and DHEA may help support sexual health. For. Consulting a physician before starting any supplement program is always best.
Pregnant or nursing women should avoid supplementing with DHEA.
* Ratings as of article's date of publication
For women, the best results may be from products that support healthy hormone levels: These may include Maca, DHEA, tribulus, as well as and Ginkgo Biloba, Saw Palmetto, Damiana and Sarsaparilla.
Everyone can also benefit from zinc, selenium, and high potency multiple vitamins. Next time you want to set the mood for love, open your senses, and include a few of tthe foods and supplements I've listed.
References
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