Hot for Heart Health

In the ancient cities of Egypt and Rome, people would often associate the shape of foods with aphrodisiac benefit. Foods shaped like eggs - such as almonds, figs, avocados, oysters and garlic - were reportedly good for one’s love life. You’ll hear many people say foods like chocolate, and the above are good for getting in the mood, but the truth is, most foods get their aphrodisiac claim from cultural beliefs and not science based fact. The notion of many foods being aphrodisiacs is really more of an old wives tale. So instead, follow your heart, and a vitamin, mineral and nutrient rich diet this Valentine’s Day to keep your whole body in the best of shape. 

B vitamins are critical to development of brain messengers for body signals, like producing hormones and directing body blood flow. Vitamin B6 is especially important, as it prevents overproduction of a particular hormone which sabotages libido. B6 also works to balance hormones like estrogen, and form hemoglobin, an important carrier of oxygen in our blood. Best sources of B6 include meat, fish, poultry, organ meats, enriched cereals, meatless soy products, nuts, lentils, and some fruits and veggies.

Essential fatty acids are the building blocks for female hormones. The essential fatty acid omega 3, acts as a precursor for hormone-like substances that play large roles in sexual health. Unlike some nutrients, our body cannot make essential fatty acids on its own so we need to get these good fats from our diet. Best sources include canola and soybean oils, walnuts, flax seeds, eggs, and fatty fish like salmon, trout and sardines.

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant protects body cells from damage and is required for the making of hormones. It helps to prevent arteries from hardening, the leading cause of poor blood flow, thus aiding with problems like impotence and low desire. Best sources of vitamin E include butter, vegetable oils like olive, sunflower seeds and peanut butter, wheat germ, avocados and leafy greens. 

Zinc is a mineral which aids in adrenal gland function, which simply means helping you feel less stressed and energized. Zinc is also responsible for the human sense of smell, a primal component in the heat of passion. Zinc is key for immune function, and therefore may reduce risk of contracting an STI. Sources of zinc rich foods include shellfish like oysters, turkey, mushrooms, and seeds such as sunflower, sesame, poppy and pumpkin. If you eat a lot of sugar take note, as refined carbs (white bread, rice and pasta, cookies, etc) can decrease levels of zinc.

In addition to these nutrients, essentially any food that’s good for the heart is going to be good for down below. This is because heart healthy foods keep arteries clear and improve circulation. Last week I wrote about nuts as a heart-healthy food, as long as they aren’t chocolate or yogurt covered. In addition to eating nuts, high soluble fiber fruits and veggies like passion fruit, avocado, Brussels sprouts, figs, oranges and sweet potato, legumes like black beans, chickpeas, black beans, and chickpeas, soy nuts and fatty fish are also good for us too. Alcohol can be heart-healthy as well. The key is no more than one to two servings per day. One for us ladies and two for the men. Any alcohol, in small amounts, can help reduce bad cholesterol. If you choose red wine, then obviously you’ll get the benefit of disease fighting antioxidants too. This Thursday, treat your special someone to a meal that’s nutrient rich and good for their heart.  It’s not only a gift, but the best recipe to stay hot, healthy, and happy Valentine’s Day and beyond.

As seen in The Telegram February 11, 2013