Renowned UK nutritionist, Barbara Cox who lives in Poole, Dorset, has looked into the science behind aphrodisiacs and has created some delicious recipes to get you ‘in the mood’ this Valentine's Day.

When Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love – rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros, she also gave birth to the notion of the aphrodisiac, a food or drink that increases sexual desire.

Do oysters really arouse the libido, or is this a myth as well? Read on as I’ve been doing some research into why some food gets us in the mood…!

Almonds

The almond has long been a symbol of fertility and it is believed that the aroma stimulates female passion.

Avocados

High in healthy fats and fibre, the avocado is already an amazing vegetable, but its vitamin B6 helps increase testosterone production, and, for you ladies, avocados are a good source of folate.

Asparagus

Nicholas Culpepper – a medical herbalist in the 1600’s - said of asparagus, “it stirs up lust in man and woman”! A few centuries later, it’s now been dubbed “Nature’s answer to Viagra” due to its levels of potassium and vitamin A (and because of its suggestive shape!)

Bananas

Definitely the winner in the ‘suggestive shape’ category, but does well in the nutritional category, too, due to its levels of potassium and B vitamins, which are essential for the production of sex hormones.

Cherries

Historically, cherries have been thought of as both an aphrodisiac and an analgesic as it helped relieve the pain of arthritis and gout – hence the stories of old men seeking young brides with “lips like cherries”! They’re packed with vitamins A, C and E, as well as calcium, iron, selenium and folate. This great nutritional profile contributes to good all-round health a healthy sex drive.

Chilli Peppers

These contain capsaicin, a chemical that raises our pulse and stimulates our nerve endings. They’re also believed to trigger the release of endorphins, the ‘happy hormones’ that give our bodies a natural ‘high’.

Chocolate

Unfortunately not on the Nutrichef menu, but there’s no denying their effect as an aphrodisiac, due to the phenylethylamine they produce – a stimulant that produces a sense of wellbeing and excitement, similar to the natural high of endorphins.

Fennel

One of the numerous different vegetables on a Nutrichef meal plan, this relative of the carrot has a distinctive aroma of liquorice. The key to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, besides producing fresh breath, is that it produces chemicals similar to the female hormone oestrogen.

Figs

Apart from being a good all-round source of vitamins and minerals, there doesn’t appear to be anything specific about the nutrition of figs that make them the aphrodisiac champions that they are. It must, therefore, be all about their resemblance to the female unmentionables that made them Cleopatra’s favourite fruit and makes them the food of choice that’s thrown at newlyweds in certain southern European countries!

Ginger

Ginger is a circulatory system stimulant, which has the added benefit of increasing sexual powers and desire! We use ginger in quite a few dishes including a Ginger and Raisin Muffin, a Spicy Noodle Salad and Salmon or Chicken in an Asian Broth.

Oysters

A rich source of zinc, an important mineral for testosterone production.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the perfect fruit of passion – heart-shaped and bright red, the colour associated with love and passion. A symbol of Venus and used as an aphrodisiac since the time of ancient Rome.

Romantic Rainbow Recipes

Omelettes are fabulous muscle food! The combinations are so varied that it makes cooking fun and easy to create a delicious masterpiece omelette in minutes!

Ingredients for the Basics:

2 Eggs

A pinch of pepper

A pinch of Himalayan crystal salt

A pinch of turmeric

Coconut oil for frying

Method:

1. For the perfect omelette, break 2 eggs, whisk and season with pepper, Himalayan crystal salt and a pinch of turmeric. At this stage, you can add any of the Add-Ins (see list below).

2. Melt 1 tsp coconut oil in a fry pan and pour the mixture in the pan.

3. After 10 seconds, draw the edges of the mixture to the middle to ensure an even cooking time.

4. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden brown on the bottom and then fold onto a plate.

The Add- Ins – the list of potential ingredient combinations for your omelette is endless. These are our favourites:

Asparagus

Shiitake mushrooms

Mixed peppers

Finely chopped spring onion or red onion

Watercress

Avocado

Smoked salmon

Crab

Tuna

Chopped herbs

Spices like turmeric, cumin, ginger, paprika and saffron

Sun blushed tomatoes

NOTE: Just add a small handful of your choice and add to the top of the omelette while cooking. Fold the omelette over the ingredients and serve.

Strawberry & Banana Smoothie

Ingredients:

50g strawberries

1 banana

100mls coconut water.

Blend until smooth.

Chocolate covered strawberries

Ingredients:

Strawberries

Choc Shot

Ground seeds

Chopped nuts

Desiccated coconut

Dip the strawberries into the choc shot and then dip into the topping.

Enjoy

Barbara Cox is one of the UK’s most-respected nutritionists and a leading authority on nutrition in the UK and Europe. Barbara has also been appointed nutritionist and adviser for a number of leading athletes and celebrities.

Her latest book, ‘Rainbow Recipes’, is available to purchase now from: bcnutrition.co.uk/products/rainbow-recipes.