Try Plant-Based Aphrodisiacs To Set The Mood This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic date on the calendar, but even if there’s a lot of love in our hearts, it may be difficult to set the mood. However, choosing the right ingredients for our dinner menu can go a long way toward setting the tone for the evening. A great place to start is by incorporating plant-based aphrodisiacs into dishes.

Try ingredients that are warming and relaxing

Relaxation and increased circulation are great ways to get in the mood. “For that, I’d recommend herbs like basil and sage and baking spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon,” said Celine Beitchman, director of nutrition at the Institute of Culinary Education.

 These can be really warming and relaxing, and because they’re sweet, they can be tantalizing. “These can also bring joy as they can stimulate dopamine production in the brain,” said Beitchman. That’s what gets us hooked on sweet things. “They trigger happy neurochemicals to flow in the brain,” said Beitchman. Getting a taste of sweet from baking spices may help stimulate that dopamine production without the sugar that might weigh you down. 

Some ingredients make you want to get frisky

Other plant-based aphrodisiacs might include foods with concentrated sources of nutrients that support reproductive systems, like zinc. “Zinc is one of the many minerals that helps form male reproductive organs and chemistry, but just as important is iron and polyunsaturated fats – like omega 3 fats found in flax and chia seeds, which contribute to healthy circulation and blood flow,” said Beitchman.  Foods like beets – including the roots, stalks, and greens, apricots and raisins are good sources of iron that can help blood vessels expand and carry oxygen around the body.

Including healthy fats from nuts and extra-virgin olive oil, are also great. “These can help calm the nervous system and provide the backbone for androgens (reproductive hormones like estrogen and testosterone) in males and females,” said Beitchman.

“Foods that support serotonin – a neurochemical that contributes to relaxation and balanced moods – can be found in proteins from both animals and plants,” said Beitchman.

Chili peppers and pungent spices can wake up the senses (if you like those flavors), but be careful that you aren’t too painful and you don’t have any uncomfortable side effects from eating foods containing these ingredients. “These can be stimulating in small amounts, like a chili pepper chocolate truffle, but more than that might be an irritant all the way down the digestive track,” said Beitchman. 

Wake up the senses

Eating foods that wake up the senses are sensual. Different aromas, textures and beautiful plating remind us that we are also made of sensual stuff. For instance: “The list of fruits and vegetables below can be cooked in an attractive way and by applying different culinary techniques, and appeal to the senses – roast some, cook others to create a silky texture, etc., and how they are served with contrasting textures and colors make a big difference in how we feel during and after our meals,” said Beitchman. Try cooking asparagus with a classic hollandaise or grilled to get that dramatic and delicious char effect. Each of these may be delicious to your tastes, so cook what you like. 

Dishes that you can interact with – like chocolate fondue – bring your body to the meal. “It’s a great way to get involved with your dinner mate,” said Beitchman. Think of it as nourishing foreplay. “Chocolate is rich in the mineral magnesium which can help muscles relax and calm the brain which might help you let go of the day’s stressors and connect in the present moment.

While there’s no research that supports any of this as causal, most of the options are harmless to try,” said Beitchman. So, experiment and see what works for you.  

According to Olivia Roszkowski, health-supportive culinary arts chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, these ingredients below are some plant-based aphrodisiacs to incorporate in your Valentine’s Day menu (and their benefits!).

Herbs

Basil – Fresh scent, increase circulation

Sage – Calming, reduces anxiety 

Roszkowski’s advice is to tear these fresh herbs to top homemade flatbreads, pizzas, or pasta dishes., or transform these herbs into a vibrant pesto, or make a fragrant herb oil. It may also be a fun idea to turn into a compound butter to serve with crusty bread.

Spices

Saffron – This contains compound crocin, which is found to be an aphrodisiac in studies

Maca – Contains aromatic isothiocyanates

Nutmeg – Stimulates central nervous system; strong aroma and taste

Cloves – Aromatic; boosts energy

Cinnamon – Increases circulation

Roszkowski advises adding these spices into ice cream batters, lattes, baked goods like scones, or even into cocktails. 

Nuts

Pistachios – Contains arginine, which increases circulation and relaxes blood vessels

Pine nuts – High in zinc

Roszkowski says nuts can be incorporated into Valentine’s Day menus by toasting and adding into salads, transforming into a pesto, or using to make a flavorful tart shell.

Pantry

Chocolate – Effects felt from phenylethylamine, which can boost endorphin and serotonin brain levels

Coffee – Stimulating and increases endorphin release

Olive Oil – Rich in monounsaturated fats which can be possibly helpful for regulation of hormones

“Use olive oil throughout the meal when executing your dinner menu, choosing a more robust one for drizzling, and a more floral, neutral variety during the cooking process,” said Roszkowski. Choose your favorite variety of chocolate and/or coffee to make your dinner extra special.

 Vegetables

Artichokes – High in potassium which can increase stamina and provide proper balance for exercise, good for heart health

Asparagus – High in vitamin E, increases oxygen and circulation

Spicy Chili Peppers – Capsaicin can increase certain hormones

Cordyceps – Increases energy, can modulate hormones

Avocado – High in vitamin E, beta carotene and magnesium

Arugula – Trace minerals and antioxidants

Garlic – Boosts nitric oxide levels, which increases circulation

Ginger – Relaxes blood vessels, increasing circulation

Sweet Potatoes – High in potassium and vitamin E

Pumpkin – High in zinc, which is vital for testosterone production

Celery – Can increase pheromone androsterone, found in male perspiration

Truffles – Musky smell mimics male pheromone androsterone

Roszkowski suggests choosing your favorites and experimenting with different techniques such as roasting, sautéing, and steaming.

Fruit

Figs – Rich amino acid profile

Strawberries – Rich in antioxidants

Pomegranate – Lowers cortisol and can influence certain hormones

Apples – Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, can increase circulation

Watermelon – High in citrulline that increases nitric oxide in body, relaxing blood vessels

Roszkowski says this is a great opportunity to make a charcuterie snacking board, include in cocktails, or showcase in your dessert course for a pop of color and vibrancy.