Looking to heat things up in the bedroom? Get the juices flowing with some delicious dietary inclusions to improve circulation:
- Beets and pomegranates contain nitrates (not to be confused with nitrites in cured meats). Nitrates increase nitric oxide, which act as vasodilators for the blood vessels that serve not only the sexual organs, but the brain–your other ‘sexy’ organ.
- Garlic: This pungent herb has an anti-coagulant effect, improving circulation by thinning the blood. As a side benefit to the cardiovascular system, it also lowers cholesterol.
- Fatty fish: Omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines, mackerel and wild salmon improve blood flow because they have an anti-coagulant effect. If you can’t do fish, then olive oil is of similar benefit when it comes to circulation.
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) contains antioxidant phytochemicals that include flavonols, theobromine, resveratrol and quercetin, which together aid circulation by their anti-inflammatory potential.
- Cayenne: This hot pepper contains capsaicin, known for its vasodilating effects. We feel warmer when we consume this spice because it relaxes and widens blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.
- Oysters, clams and other shellfish: You’ve probably heard that oysters have aphrodesiac qualities. Shellfish are the highest dietary sources of zinc, an essential nutrient for the production of both female and male reproductive hormones. Think zinc for the….*ink!
Whether you’re looking to spice things up at meal time or in the bedroom, or both, these food ingredients are a delicious and nutritious way to boost your circulation and benefit your cardiovascular health, too.