Other than Halloween, Valentine's Day is the
sugar industry's patron holiday. Beyond chocolate, there
are cakes and pies and heart-shaped cookies. Chocolate is
still said to be the sexiest of all flavors, and some research
suggest that, in moderation, it is beneficial for women.
However, before you and your sweetie chow down on Godiva,
consider that there are other flavors for your romantic
palate.
Asparagus
According to the vegetarian society, asparagus is not only
good for your health, it also improves your love life if
you eat it for three days before a romantic date. (Cooked
asparagus is also said to prevent aches and pains, at least
physical ones.) Try asparagus boiled or steamed as part
of your Valentine's menu.
Almonds
They're not only protein and vitamin E sources that lower
LDL cholesterol with monounsaturated fats, they stimulate
romance and aid in fertility. Try almond chicken or almond
cookies. Almond milk can be a sweet after-dinner drink,
especially if you or your loved one are allergic to cow's
milk products.
Arugula
If your date orders just a salad of arugula greens, she's
not doing the typical female diet routine. Arugula not only
keeps her healthy, it puts her in the mood for love. You
can also suggest pasta with arugula.
Bananas
Bananas Foster and banana smoothies are packed with potassium,
which gives you passion for life as well as all the B vitamins.
Share our Banana Breakfast with your loved one.
Berries
Raspberries and strawberries, with or without chocolate
sauce, are sweet, satisfying treats that help prevent disease
with vitamins A, C, and E. Fruit desserts make your Valentine's
Day all the sweeter. More
on berries...
Carrots
A romantic stimulant, carrots are also rich in beta carotene.
They also help eyesight, so you can gaze dreamily at your
sweetie for longer periods without needing glasses. Try
A Rabbit's Favorite Smoothie on Valentine's Day morning.
Figs
Richer in minerals than any other common fruit and providing
20% of the recommended Daily Value of fiber, the fig is
thought to be the original fruit that Eve tempted Adam with.
A 40 gram serving helps you get your five a day recommended
fruits and vegetables. The romantic Italians eat bowls of
Black Mission figs in cool water.
Garlic
It not only helps digestion, prevents colds, helps during
pregnancy and lowers LDL cholesterol, it spices up your
love life---just make sure that the object of your affections
doesn't object to your breath.
Ginger Root
Our Turkey in Ginger
recipe is ideal as your Valentine's Day main course. Ginger
aids digestion, so your stomach feels better, and helps
circulation, which makes you feel like taking your sweetheart
ballroom dancing.
Honey
We get the term "honeymoon" from the medieval
custom of drinking mead, a beverage made from honey, to
bless the marriage. if your wedding date falls on Valentine's
Day, pamper your "honey" with honey and ensure
fertility. If you're planning intense physical activity
such as dancing or hiking, a 2000 report from WebMD.com
about a study funded by the National Honey Board says that
honey can help your muscles recover and metabolize afterwards.
Oysters
All joking aside, oyster stew is high in zinc and a nutritious
complement to your meal. Also, try Chinese food with oyster
sauce and ginger.
Pine Nuts
Also rich in zinc, pine nuts add a vim and vigor on Valentine's
Day when sprinkled on your vermicelli.
Pineapple
Enjoying a tropical Valentine getaway? Partake of the pineapple,
especially pineapple juice. It's rich in vitamin C and ensures
male fertility, so that your marriage will be fruitful.
This Valentine's Day, eat, drink, and be in love!
