A Yummy Aphrodisiac Menu for Your Valentine

Did you know that a ton of foods regularly used in Latin cuisine are actually tried and true aphrodisiacs? Perhaps these magical ingredients are behind our legendary status as being the some of the best lovers in the world? Read on for a break down of some of the main ingredients that scientists have found to increase feelings of euphoria:

• An amino acid called L-arginine that enhances blood flow throughout the body is found in most nuts and seeds, says Dr. Melody Hart of chicagohealers.com. This can definitely come in handy once your man decides to thank you properly for the delicious meal you’ve prepared for him.
• Chocolate releases pleasure-enhancing endorphins in your brain and contains serotonin. Both are "feel good" chemicals, says Dr. Hart, so chocolate scientifically makes you happy. These chemicals occur naturally in our bodies and are released when we are feeling passionate and produce a euphoric feeling, like when you're in love.
• Shellfish have zinc, which is a building block of hormones suggests Dr. Hart. Recently, mussels, clams and oysters were found to contain acids and compounds that may be effective in releasing sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
• Chiles have capsaicin, which increases circulation, revs up your metabolism and causes physiological responses in our bodies like sweating and increased heart rate, which mimic what we experience when we're having sex, points out Dr. Hart.

Check out this delicious menu utilizing every aphrodisiac suggested and get to steaming up that kitchen.