Body and soul: What has happened to all the romance?

26 July 2004

Picture the scene. You've had a glass or two of wine. The lights are low. There's a fire roaring in the grate. He turns to you and whispers: "Do you want a fry in the morning, or just cereal and toast?"

Oh, what happened to all the romance?

Or just a good roll in the hay? But, according to the sexperts, boosting your sex life could be as easy as eating the right foods.

Ian Marber and Vicki Edgson, authors of In Bed with The Food Doctor (Collins & Brown, £14.99), insist that nutrients play a major part in making you feel frisky.

Many basic foods contain vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which can increase desire and help remedy sexual problems.

Today, and for the next three weeks, we reveal the top 40 sexy foods - from strawberries and oysters to mangoes, pine nuts and asparagus - that will help you get the most out of your bedtime!

 

 

Sea bass OOOOO

A good source of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which heighten sexual arousal as well as being vital for sperm formation.

 

Eggs OOOOO

A rich source of iron, with zinc, calcium, B vitamins (which make you feel frisky) and high quality protein. Free range the best choice.

 

Caviar OOOO

Iron, choline (a B vitamin) and magnesium.

 

Popcorn O

Plain popcorn is a rare vegetable source of the amino acid arginine - and so, excellent for vegetarians.

 

Rye OOOOOO

Rich in many minerals that can enhance sexuality, including iron, magnesium and zinc. Also a good source of energy-enhancing vitamins B5 and B6, which enhance mood and self-perception. High levels of calcium and vitamin E, as well as phosphorous, magnesium and silicon, which provides cerebral energy.

 

SpinachOOOOOO

Eaten raw, one of the few veg to contain co-enzyme Q10, also a rich source of iron, plus folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamins B3, B6 and C, calcium and magnesium.

 

Tofu OOOO

A low-fat, versatile food which contains phyto-oestrogens - substances which mimic the actions of natural oestrogens, which are renowned for harmonizing female hormones. Also high in iron, calcium, magnesium and viatmin A.

 

Pine nutsOOOO

Prime source of protein, providing the essential building blocks for sexual devleopment. Rich in minerals, especially zinc and magnesium, as well as B vitamins and calcium. All helpful in sustaining energy and creating stamina.

 

 

Strawberries OOOOOO

Vitamin C, which helps the absorption of iron, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium.

 

Avocados OOOOO

Contain two vitamins vital for overall sexual performance: vitamin B6 and vitamin E. A deficiency of these is associated with low sex drive and reduced fertility. Also high in iron, beta-carotene, folic acid and vitamins B3 and B6.

 

÷ Next week: The Tom Jones of sexy foods - sesame seeds, plus another selection of fruit, veg and meat to get you in the mood.

Janet Devlin

 

 

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/features/story.jsp?story=544860