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Valentine’s Day is upon us and, as always, we are supporters for you cooking yourself and those you love something enchanting. It’s hard to talk about Valentine’s Day without talking about everyone’s favourite thing to giggle about: those special romantic foods.
At Westpoint Naturals, we are all adults here (well mostly?), and we happen to think that having someone cook you a meal because they love you is enough of an act of affection, but we suppose, an extra little nudge in the right direction never hurts. So get your heartbeats racing with these five passionate ingredients.
Chili peppers
Eating chili peppers generates physical responses in our bodies (e.g., sweating, increased heart rate and circulation). The capsaicin they contain is responsible for the effects and is also a good pain reliever.
Chili peppers have a wonderful attribute in their ability to release endorphins, natural painkillers triggered to put out internal “fire.” Endorphins also cause the high of extreme physical exertion — a floating, energized feeling so powerful in its pleasure that it can cause addiction to spicy cuisine.
Among its additional attributes, chili peppers increase heart rate, doubling the pleasure of a mealtime rendezvous.
Almonds
The aroma of almonds supposedly arouses passion in females — or so thought the poets and scribes of bygone eras. French writer Alexandre Dumas, the author of The Count of Monte Cristo, dined on almond soup every night before meeting his lover. The scientists say that almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fibre. Therefore, there seems to be something in the almond myths after all.
Many different nuts have alleged adoring properties, many of which have been used in love potions and serums for thousands of years. Some believe the smell of certain nuts excite women (and I know what you’re thinking – stop it!). Almonds, for instance, are widely used in beauty products for their aromatic properties.
Garlic
A Long Time Ago, Tibetan monks were not allowed to enter the monastery if they had been eating garlic because of its reputation for stirring up passion because garlic increases circulation in the body. Garlic is chockfull of allicin, an ingredient that will increase blood flow. So, whip up an extra-garlicky dish and keep those mints handy.
Ginger
If Garlic is not something you want to add to Valentine’s Day then maybe try Ginger. This warming herb comes from the root of the ginger plant, and it imparts a spicy, slightly sweet flavor and scent. It also warms you up, and it smells a lot better than garlic. Many cultures have used ginger as a romantic additive, and Dr. Oz confirmed it on a recent show, when he listed ginger as one of his top 4 libido boosters. Ginger is also high in potassium, magnesium, and copper.
Saffron
These little yellow threads add flavour and colour to the traditional rice dish paella. While saffron is expensive, a tiny bit goes a long way. Saffron has antioxidant qualities and supplies selenium, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Its slightly pungent, herbal taste and stunning hue dominate in the cuisines of the Middle East, but its allure crosses cultures into Europe’s glamorous Mediterranean coast.
Its mystic allure, according to the Knights of Arabia, who used this elusive ingredient in concoctions, is believed to be most effective on women. The Romans adopted a slightly differing opinion, using saffron to scent the baths of both aristocratic gentlemen and their female lovers.
So with these romantic hints, it will be easy to create a wonderful and healthy evening with your other half! Happy Valentines Day from Westpoint Naturals!
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