Ingredients for a Valentine: 5 Healthy & Sexy Foods

Aphrodisiac | noun | aph*ro*di*si*ac | 
Definition: Something that excites desire

Choosing a Valentine's dinner is a tricky task, especially when foods can create or kill the mood. Check out these healthy Valentines foods that provide nutrients and tastes that set you up for a healthy heart, both mentally and physically

1. Avocados. These healthy fruits are high in vitamins E and B6, which regulate hormone production and can increase energy and stamina. 
2. Chili peppers. These spicy peppers have that bright red color and are considered a symbol of love, there's science behind it. Chili peppers stimulate endorphins, which are brain signals for pleasure, love, and happiness. 
3. Cabbage & Sauerkraut. A 2002 study published in the Journal of Food Chemistry found that 90% of men reported a noticeable libido boost after eating sauerkraut.
4. Chocolate. Chocolate is almost synonymous with Valentines Day, but it also has health benefits. Dark chocolate contains an alkaloid called theobromine, which can cause a spike in dopamine, inducing feelings of pleasure. It also has blood-pressure lowering effects. 
5. Tomatoes. These fruits, along with strawberries and watermelon are rich in lycopene, a substance that studies show may have a "viagra-like" effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation

*Always ask your doctor before beginning any supplementation

Why Eat Organic?

There are many reasons to eat organic, not just for the health of the person eating organic foods, but also for the health of the planet.  By choosing organic, or at least avoiding the foods that are most heavily sprayed with pesticides, you can reap the following benefits:

You will dramatically reduce your daily intake of pesticides.  Conventionally used pesticides are neurotoxins and can contribute to poor cognitive function, poor sensory/motor function, and fatigue.

You will be getting more nutrients from the food that you eat.  Organic farming operations usually use more sustainable farming practices which help to stop soil erosion and preserve the nutrient content of the soil so that it can better sustain life.

You can positively impact the ecosystems in which farming takes place.  Chemicals that are sprayed on conventionally grown crops do not stay on the crop but can run off into the water and effect not only the fish, but every organism that feeds off that water 

You are helping out the people who grow the food.  The toxic effects of pesticides are much greater than in the general public because they are dealing with them in greater amounts.  Also, by reducing the demand for conventional produce by choosing farmers  that don’t rely on pesticides and genetically modified seed.

You are avoiding the antibiotics, growth enhancing hormones, and other medications given to conventionally raised feed animals.  Because animals are raised eating corn and are raised in unsanitary environments, many medications are needed in order to keep these animals from becoming sick. 

By buying less conventionally grown produce you are not just helping yourself by decreasing you  intake of pesticides but you are also voting for a more sustainable system of food production for the whole world.

Interstitial Cystitis (Painful Bladder Syndrome) and Food Triggers

Certain foods can increase painful bladder symptoms associated with interstitial cystitis. Most foods result in symptoms 2-4 hours after ingestion.

Most common irritating foods:

• alcoholic beverages
• carbonated drinks
• caffeine
• spicy foods
• tomatoes
• citrus fruits
• vinegar
• bananas
• cheese
• aspartame
• onions
• sour cream
• yogurt

There is no known reason why these food cause bladder irritation, however there are some theories as to why these foods are associated with IC. Many of these contain higher amounts of specific amino acids, including tryptophan and tyrosine, which are thought be broken down into products that are more irritating to the bladder wall. Another common irritant that is found in some of the above foods are "oxalates", which may irritate the bladder wall as well. 

However, diet is simply one aspect of interstitial cystitis. Hormones, an abnormal immune response, and poor bladder lining all contribute. These factors may be addressed individually and part of a complete plan. 

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