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. 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.
As seen in The Telegram February 11, 2013
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