It is Valentine’s Day 2022 – and that means lovebirds, singles and even close friends will be celebrating love in all its shapes and forms. And at Prinos Farm&Deli, we’ve got a great range of romantic foodie gifts. From tasty chocolates to special bottles of wine, champagne and prosecco!

But gift giving aside, did you know there are also certain foods and drinks that can help get you in the mood for romance? In essence, some foods can act as aphrodisiacs, and others can help to increase libido, or boost blood flow. Some of the compounds to look out for when looking for foods that can boost your sex drive include flavonoids, nitrates, zinc, antioxidants and good fats. In general though, healthy eating can help with holistic improved health in all areas of life.

So, to help get us in the mood for a fun night in, let’s have a look at some of the foods that boost libido. Many of these premium foods and fresh produce are available at Prinos Farm&Deli. Which means you can pick up your Valentine’s gifts, as well as getting something tasty and romance inducing for dinner this evening! Read on to learn more.

• Oysters: Many people already know about the aphrodisiac powers of oysters. And despite their interesting shape, these sensual properties are actually linked to the food being rich in zinc. Zinc has a number of important health benefits. But one of the main benefits for the sex drive, are that this compound helps to increase blood flow to all organs and regulates testosterone. Luckily for those who don’t like molluscs, there are other foods that contain zinc and have the same libido boosting qualities. These include lobster and crab, as well as beef, pork and pumpkin seeds.

• Avocado: The word avocado actually derives from the ancient Aztec word for testicle. Which may be one of the reasons it is considered an aphrodisiac today. The deliciously creamy fruit is also suggestively shaped like a woman’s body. But shape aside, this food is also rich in monounsaturated fats which help support a healthy heart and arteries. This in turn allows blood to flow to all the organs, including those that need it most when you want to get in the mood!

• Fatty Fish: Naturally high in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and halibut are great for keeping your arteries clean and clear. This means that blood can flow easily to all the organs, including the more outer extremities needed for sexual activity. This in turn helps to reduce the risk of sexual disfunction, as well as diseases that can impair a healthy sex drive. Fish also contain zinc, which as we already know is a great libido booster.

• Red Wine: While sipping a glass of red wine with someone is a classically romantic pursuit, this delicious drink can also help get us in the mood. This is because red wine contains a potent antioxidant called quercetin which in turn helps to boost blood flow and increase sexual desire and function. Of course, with alcohol the rule is ‘everything in moderation’. Too much red wine will actually have the opposite effect.  Meanwhile, non-drinkers can get the same libido boosting benefits from apples which also contain quercetin.

• Watermelon: Watermelon contains an amino acid known as l-citrulline which converts into nitric oxide in the body. Nitrates are important for male sexual function, as this is what helps blood flow and the vasodilation of the blood vessels in the penis. Which is why these phytonutrients can act as a natural Viagra for men, enhancing both performance and pleasure. Other foods that are rich in nitrates include beetroots, as well as dark chocolate and nuts.
• Saffron: Saffron is an exclusive spice that is usually considered something of a luxury ingredient. This is because the spice is the dried stigma of the crocus flower only found in certain parts of the world. But also because of the many medicinal properties of the food – including its aphrodisiac powers. Indeed, saffron contains picrocrocin, which is known to help boost libido, and make the body more sensitive to touch, thus heightening pleasure and satisfaction. Additionally, it has been shown to improve sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
• Dark Chocolate: Chocolate has long had a history of being associated with love, romance and desire. And this link actually has a scientific reasoning behind it. Because this tasty treat releases serotonin and dopamine in the body, which in turn helps to lift the mood and promote aphrodisiac effects. Dark chocolate also contains flavonoids and nitrates which are known libido boosters.

• Bananas: While the unique shape of the banana may well be one of the main reasons people think of it as an aphrodisiac food, it is also rich in certain nutrients that help boost sex drive in men and women. For example, bananas are packed full of potassium and B vitamins, both of which are necessary for the productions of sex hormones.

• Berries: Berries – especially the darker coloured berries such as blueberries, red and purple grapes and pomegranate – are packed full of flavonoids. These antioxidants are some of the best natural libido boosters thanks to their ability to regulate blood pressure. Flavonoids also have potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help keep the arteries clean. This in turn helps blood flow to the sexual organs. To this end, flavonoids can also help treat conditions linked with sexual disfunction.

• Chillis: We’ve all heard the expression ‘spicing it up in the bedroom’. And while this may have to do with adding the heat, there’s also a scientific reason. In essence, chilli has an invigorating effect on the whole body. Not only does it stimulate blood flow to all the organs, but it also stimulates endorphins which make us feel good. In addition, eating chillies can speed up the heart rate and raises the bodies temperature. For all these reasons, this spice works as a natural libido booster.

And those aren’t the only foods that can boost that sex drive. Additional natural aphrodisiacs include asparagus, pine nuts, broccoli, spinach, arugula, ginger, garlic, olive oil and figs. So, now that you know the foods that will help get you in the mood, pop by our stores in Larnaca or Nicosia or order online and enjoy a Valentine’s night to remember.