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Friday, 27 December 2013
Friday, 27 December 2013
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If you want to put some sizzle back into your sex life, food can help you set the mood. There’s nothing better than a romantic, home-cooked dinner, featuring some R-rated foods to help turn up the heat. There’s a growing body of evidence that some of the vitamins and components in foods can enhance sexual function and sexual experience.
Here are some of the food ingredients that have been major players in aphrodisiac history and lore, and also have modern-day science to back up their claims.
Avocados
The Aztecs referred to avocados as, ahem, testicles, because of their physical shape. But the scientific reason why avocados make sense as an aphrodisiac is that they are rich in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fat, making them good for your heart and your arteries. Anything that keeps the heart beating strong helps keep blood flowing to all the right places; in fact, men with underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED).
Almonds
Almonds have long been purported to increase passion, act as a sexual stimulant, and aid with fertility. Like asparagus, almonds are nutrient-dense and rich in several trace minerals that are important for sexual health and reproduction, such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin E. Zinc helps enhance libido and sexual desire. We don’t really understand the mechanisms behind it, but we know it works.
Strawberries
The color red is known to help stoke the fire: A 2008 study found that men find women sexier if they’re wearing red, as opposed to cool colors such as blue or green. Strawberries are also an excellent source of folic acid, a B vitamin that helps ward off birth defects in women and may be tied to high sperm counts in men. On Valentine’s Day, try making dark-chocolate-dipped strawberries. And while we’re on the subject, there’s a reason we give chocolate on Valentine’s Day: It’s full of libido-boosting methylxanthines.
Seafood
Despite their slippery and slimy texture, oysters may be the most well-known aphrodisiac. They’re also one of the best sources of libido-boosting zinc. But other types of seafood can also act as aphrodisiacs. Oily fish—like wild salmon and herring—contain , which are essential for a healthy heart.
Arugula
Arugula has been heralded as an arousal aid since the first century. Today, research reveals that the trace minerals and antioxidants packed into dark, leafy greens are essential for our sexual health because they help block absorption of some of the environmental contaminants thought to negatively impact our libido.
Figs
These funny-shaped fruits have a long history of being a fertility booster, and they make an excellent aphrodisiac because they are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, which is important for heart health. Plus, high-fiber foods help fill you up, not out, so it’s easier to achieve that sexy bottom line—or belly.
Citrus
Any member of this tropical fruit family is super-rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and folic acid—all of which are essential for men’s reproductive health. Enjoy a romantic salad that incorporates citrus, like pink grapefruit or mandarin oranges, or use a dressing made with lemon and lime.
- You're not alone
A regular sex life is good for your health. It can satisfy all sorts of emotional- and physical-intimacy needs and help partners stay close.
So why the dry spell? You can chalk it up to a sheer lack of time, but there are a slew of other reasons, too—from weight gain and perimenopause to technology overload (stop texting now) in the bedroom. Here’s how to beat the top 10 sex busters.
- Your bed isn't sexy anymore
At a minimum, make the bedroom a no-technology zone. Then take a hard look at your life (from romance and work to entertainment and family), and give sex the priority it deserves. If you have to schedule sex like you do a meeting, do it!
- Your meds are stealing your sex drive
Ask your doc about the sexual side effects of all of your drugs. You may also want to try a contraceptive method that doesn’t use hormones, such as condoms, a diaphragm, or an IUD.
- Your crazy-busy life
With spontaneous sex almost out of the question, you need some serious “life management” to work it in, experts say. Put a lock on the master bedroom door and set a technology time limit. Plunging into warm water takes you away from the laptops and cell phones that clog up your day. Add a few drops of ylang-ylang essential oil; the aroma is thought to heighten sexual feelings.
- You dont like your body
“Women have a talent for disliking the very things about themselves that other people find very attractive”. Feel free to ask him what he likes about your body; his compliments can help you feel more positive. But don’t underestimate the mental boost of shedding some pounds.
- You've hit perimenopause
Talk to your physician about the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which may lessen menopausal symptoms. New research shows an estrogen cream or suppository may ease dryness without the risks of HRT. Lubricants can also help, especially if pain during intercourse is a problem.
- Your man is just not that into
Talk it out in a blame-free way. “It’s understandable that a woman would feel rejected," But don’t confront him with ‘What the hell is going on? Are you cheating on me?’ or he’ll shut down. If a man’s sex life is not working out, he may feel he’s failed as a man, because men invest so much of themselves in their sexuality."
- You're depressed
If you notice your sex drive takes a nosedive after you start a new medication, tell your doctor; she may be able to prescribe an alternative. Consider different avenues of treatment. “Psychotherapy doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction and is effective, especially in mild-to-moderate depression”. Exercise also helps; it enhances mood and energy, and it boosts blood flow to the genitals.
- Your man is viagra-ized
Suggestion is finding time for some nonthreatening and nonjudgmental sex talk (not in bed), during which a woman can discuss what she needs in bed to even the playing field.
- You are sick and tired
Once a thyroid condition or anemia is detected and corrected, any associated symptoms should dissipate. If you’re battling a chronic disease, you should take the focus off of the intercourse and explore other ways to achieve sexual and sensual pleasure.
- Lost the Lust ?
- Get your Zs
- Exercise
- Go Shopping
- See your doctor
- Check your medicine cabinet
- Take your time
- Get hotter-than-ever bedroom romps
Well, for any of it to work, you need to first start with a burning desire to do the deed. But the biggest problem for the smart, successful women is they’re not always up for it. Daily stresses and distractions can really zap your sex drive.
- Stress overload
Carving out 10 minutes at night to relax in the bath is far more likely to get you in the mood than doing chores. The irony is that sex is a natural stress reliever, so the more you have, the less frazzled you'll feel.
- Feeling less than hot
Still, if you’re uncomfortable, sex is sure to be, too. So how do you overcome your insecurity? Think about what you love about your body—the way it feels, moves, or your favorite body part. If you’re truly out of shape, commit to a workout program, which will improve your health and energy level. A sexy nightgown that fits just right can be a real confidence booster, too, so go ahead and treat yourself.
- Bottled-up resentment
He left his bureau drawers open again? Even seemingly little issues in a relationship can build resentment over time, causing desire to take a nosedive. Ask yourself, "Am I not in the mood because I’m mad at him?" If the answer is yes, get it out in the open. Being up front really helps build a strong bond, which is the basis of a healthy sex life.
Another safeguard against resentment: regularly show each other you care through affectionate touching that doesn't lead to sex, talking about your shared goals, and making time for date nights.
Another safeguard against resentment: regularly show each other you care through affectionate touching that doesn't lead to sex, talking about your shared goals, and making time for date nights.
- Those nightcaps
- Zero energy
Also, don’t wait until after you've washed the dishes and watched two hours of television to start foreplay. Get right to it as soon as dinner’s done and/or the kids are in bed. Just dim the lights, put on some music, and go for it!
As beauty products get more high-tech, the top complexion cures still come from the most natural quarters: the aisles of your supermarket. Increasingly, studies are finding links between certain nutrients and wrinkle reduction, radiance, and acne prevention. Here are 10 cream-of-the-crop ways to nourish your skin from the inside and out.
Top Ten Foods for Healthier Skin
Get Glowing with Chocolate
Cocoa hydrates your skin, making it firmer and more supple. And dark chocolate contains high levels of flavonols, a potent type of antioxidant. For maximum flavonol content, eat chocolate that's at least 70 percent cacao. A couple of squares a day should be enough to improve luminosity. When applied topically, the caffeine in chocolate may temporarily reduce skin puffiness.
Prevent Wrinkles with Yogurt
The protein you get from eating dairy helps skin become firmer, so it's more resistant to lines. Greek yogurt is especially beneficial. The protein content is often double that of regular yogurt. Eat a single serving daily to make your complexion smoother.
Protect with Pomegranates
They're packed with polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenols fight free radicals and regulate skin's blood flow, giving it rosiness. One pomegranate or a few glasses of juice daily should do the trick. When applied to skin, the fruits' antioxidants help smooth lines and moisturize.
Soften Skin with Walnuts
Walnuts contain omega-3 essential fatty acids, which can improve skin's elasticity. The nuts are also loaded with copper, a mineral that boosts collagen production. Snack on a handful of walnuts each day to improve your complexion's texture.
Fight Crow's-Feet with Peppers
Women who eat green and yellow vegetables regularly tend to have fewer wrinkles, especially around the eyes. Also, studies found that carotenoids -- the antioxidants in yellow and orange veggies -- can decrease skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Brighten Up with Sunflower Seeds
Loaded with vitamin E, sunflower seeds keep your skin supple by protecting its top layers from the sun. Eat a handful daily. A high essential-fatty-acid content makes sunflower seed oil a treat for parched body parts, such as lips and heels, when topically applied.
Zap Zits with Kidney Beans
They're high in zinc, and studies indicate a correlation between blemishes and low zinc levels. That may be because of zinc's healing properties. Have a four-ounce serving of kidney beans to help you stay in the clear. In addition, studies show topical zinc to be as effective against acne as antibiotics are.
Even Out Your Skin Tone with Soy
Drink a latte with soy milk or eat edamame and you may get a clearer complexion. Soy contains minerals and proteins that have been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation. One cup a day should yield results.
Look Younger with Oatmeal
Steel-cut oatmeal is less processed than other varieties, so it retains more vitamins. Plus, it takes longer to break down in your body, which helps keep your blood sugar stable. This is important because studies found that spiked blood sugar elevates your body's level of androgens, hormones that can contribute to wrinkles. Oats are also exceptionally skin healing.
Calm Redness with Green Tea
It's very high in antioxidants, particularly one named EGCG, which is proved to reduce redness. Studies have also demonstrated that green tea helps fight inflammation. Sip at least one cup of green tea a day.
Better-looking hair can start at your next meal.
Just like every other part of your body, the cells and processes that support strong, vibrant hair depend on a balanced diet.
It can take longer to notice changes (both good or bad!) in your hair than in your skin. For example, just one week with a poor diet can yield acne flare-ups or dry, sallow skin within days, but with hair, it can take a few months for a nutritional deficiency or the effects of a crash diet to show up.
The nutrients you eat today help fortify the hair follicle -- from which each strand is born -- and the scalp that surrounds it.
Of course, there's more to your hair than what you eat. Smoking, hormonal imbalances, and not enough sleep can also affect how your hair looks and feels. No magic nutrient can make up for those concerns.
Still, you have a lot more leverage than you might think. If you eat a balanced, varied, protein-rich diet that focuses on the following 10 foods, you'll be giving your hair the TLC it needs and deserves.
1. Salmon
Besides being rich in protein and vitamin D (both are key to strong hair) the omega-3 fatty acids found in this tasty cold-water fish are the true superstar. Your body can't make those fatty acids, which your body needs to grow hair. About 3% of the hair shaft is make up of these fatty acids. Omega-3s are also found in cell membranes in the skin of your scalp, and in the natural oils that keep your scalp and hair hydrated.
Other options: If salmon doesn't thrill you, you can also get essential fatty acids from fish like herring, sardines, trout, and mackerel, as well as avocado, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts (see below for more wonderful things about walnuts.)
2. Walnuts
These are the only type of nut that have a significant amount of omega-3 fatty acids. They're also rich in biotin and vitamin E, which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Since your hair rarely gets much shielding from the sun, this is especially great. Too little biotin can lead to hair loss. Walnuts also have copper, a mineral that helps keep your natural hair color rich and lustrous.
Other options: Try using walnut oil in your salad dressing or stir-fry instead of canola or safflower.
3. Oysters
Oysters are rich in zinc, a lack of which can lead to hair loss (even in your eyelashes), as well as a dry, flaky scalp. Three ounces has a whopping 493% of your daily value. You can get some zinc through fortified cereals and whole grain breads, but oysters can boast a good level of protein too. "Remember, hair is about 97% protein". Without enough protein, your body can't replace the hairs that you naturally shed every day and what you do make can be dry, brittle, or weak.
Other options: Get your fill of zinc with nuts, beef, and eggs.
4. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a great source of the antioxidant beta carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A. "Basically, every cell of the body cannot function without enough A" . It also helps protect and produce the oils that sustain your scalp, and being low on vitamin A can even leave you with itchy, irksome dandruff.
5. Eggs
Other options: You can also boost your iron stores with animal sources, including chicken, fish, pork, and beef.
6. Spinach
Other options: Try similarly nutrient-rich dark, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and Swiss chard.
7. Lentils
Other options: Toss other beans such as soybeans (the young ones are called edamame) and kidney beans into your soup or salad.
8. Greek yogurt
Other options: Cottage cheese, low-fat cheese, and skim milk also fit the bill.
9. Blueberries
Other options: Kiwis, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and strawberries.
10. Poultry
Other options: Lean cuts of beef are another good source of lean protein.
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