With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you, and your other half no doubt have some exotic, nostalgic, or wholesome plans already laid out for the special day, with searches for ‘valentines day activities’ seeing a +280% increase. Greetings card marketplace, thortful.com teamed up with two experts in the scientific fields of love and romance; Dr Deborah Lee, Dr Fox Online Pharmacy and Ed Buhler, Director at sexual wellness brand Bodyjoys to reveal the best aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.
When it comes to the best aphrodisiacs, your list of options can be pretty varied so to help narrow your choices down, the experts reveal the best aphrodisiacs to get you in the mood according to science:
1. Bananas
The most suggestive of fruits, the very shape of a banana itself could be interpreted as a source of sexual mood boosting. And, as it turns out, there might be some truth to this.
As many of us know, bananas are high in potassium, which is necessary for good blood pressure and helps stimulate erections. But bananas are also high in the chemical bromelain, an enzyme that breaks down proteins and is thought to have numerous health benefits.
So, it may very well be that having a banana earlier in the day might be all the preparation you need for a passionate evening with your other half.
2. Chocolate
Surprised? Probably not, after all, this is the one thing almost everyone enjoys on Valentine’s Day. But while we all know eating chocolate makes us feel good, why is it considered an aphrodisiac?
Studies show that chocolate contains high levels of phenylethylamine, a central nervous system stimulant that is thought to assist in the release of serotonin and dopamine, the happy and feel-good hormones that play a key role in sexual attraction, arousal, and falling in love.
In layman’s terms, what this all means is that, while chocolate won’t necessarily make you function better downstairs, all those endorphins and hormones it helps to release may very well put you in the right mood for more satisfying sex.
3. Watermelon
Described by some as the ‘natural Viagra’, it’s suggested that drinking watermelon juice before getting intimate with your partner can assist men that are in need of a helping hand below the belt.
It’s thought that watermelon can naturally enhance erections due to its rich amounts of citrulline, a powerful vasodilator which widens blood vessels. Citrulline can also be converted by the body into arginine, which provides many of the same benefits.
Regardless, if you’re interested in trying this aphrodisiac, you might be interested to know that most citrulline is found in the skin of the melon itself, so if you want the best chance to experience its effects, you should consider eating the flesh and skin together.
4. Coffee
Ever wondered why coffee dates often feel the most romantic? Well, that’s because caffeine may very well be the most common aphrodisiac of all, and the one plenty of us are addicted to.
As expert, Ed Buhler, Director at Bodyjoys, points out, caffeine not only gives us more energy, but it drastically boosts our mood, helping with idea sharing and getting to know your partner better. It also helps to intoxicate the senses, making it easier for our bodies to pick up pheromones, a key part of triggering attraction and arousal.
With that in mind, a morning or lunchtime coffee break could be the right way to start your Valentine’s date.
Experts reveal that exercising is the top aphrodisiac activity
It’s not just food that can set the mood, but certain activities and date night ideas as well. The experts Dr Deborah Lee and Ed Buhler reveal that activities such as exercising, dancing and playing relaxing music have the same hormonal effect as sex, so if you don’t have a partner this Valentine’s then there’s no need to panic.
Here are the top aphrodisiac activities:
1. Exercise
It goes without saying that a good exercise routine is one of the key steps you can take to improve your libido, with plenty of studies showing that it raises the level of the cuddle hormone, oxytocin, in your system – and who doesn’t love a good cuddling session?
2. Dancing
Let’s face it, there’s something captivating and attractive about those with the uncanny ability to dance flawlessly or boogie down to any music on a night out, perhaps because it shows they’re oozing self-confidence.
3. Listening to upbeat music
If music is something your passionate about then there is some great news! Pretty much all music has been proven to improve your mood in a similar way to sex, releasing a variety of feel-good hormones into the body.
However, for the best aphrodisiac effect, experts recommend listening to an exciting, upbeat playlist in the bedroom – something you and your lover could start cultivating together.
4. Laughing
Ok, so it’s not technically an activity, but laughing not only reduces stress and relaxes the muscles, but it also boosts oxygen intake, which helps to energise the body. So, if a dinner date isn’t really your thing, then why not go out to a comedy club or watch a comedic film at the cinema for your valentines night out.
A spokesperson from thortful comments on the findings, “With Valentine’s Day fast approaching and many of us looking on how to spice up the romance, we we’re interested in finding out the top aphrodisiacs to boost your sex drive. Now we know what we’re adding to our diet over the next few weeks!
“If you’re looking for the perfect card for your partner this Valentine's Day, then we have you covered here.”
