Top Love Tips For Valentine's Day

Make that special feeling last for longer than one day a year

We are all victims of long working hours, sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol intake which in turn affect our love life. Our lifestyles are difficult to change but we can substitute some of the simple negative impacts with some guidance from Macro Wholefoods Market this Valentines Day to engage in some healthy options for long-term enhanced sensuality.

Nourish Yourself

Chocolate
The reputed aphrodisiac qualities of chocolate are most often associated with the simple pleasure of their consumption. More recently, suggestion has been made that serotonin and other chemicals found in chocolate can act as a mild sexual stimulant as it has a positive effect of enhancing feelings of love.

Match dark chocolate with strawberries by melting the chocolate and dipping the strawberries. Dark chocolate has the highest level of antioxidants of all chocolate types. Coupled with strawberries, which have a detoxifying effect, this delicious treat is a healthy alternative for your Valentines Day decadence. If you buy the strawberries organically grown you will be sure they are completely free of pesticide residue and harmful toxins.

Basil
For centuries it has been believed that basil stimulated sex drive, boosted fertility as well as produced a sense of wellbeing. The scent of basil has been said to drive men wild - so much so that women used dust their breasts with dried powdered basil. Basil is one of the many reported aphrodisiacs that may have the property of promoting circulation.

Try thick sliced organic tomato and bocconcini with basil on top, dressed with organic cold-pressed olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Zinc
Zinc is excellent for your sexual hormone levels, sperm production and your sense of taste and smell - vital in any intimate relationship! Foods that are high in zinc are oysters, beef, yoghurt, pumpkin seeds and nuts including cashews, pecans and pine nuts.For ongoing benefits, try a zinc supplement as this will help maintain consistent levels.

Create Ambient Space

A sensual atmosphere is a must to create the mood for Valentines Day. There are some simple and easy tricks that take only minutes to prepare.
* Essential oils such as rose, sandalwood and ylang ylang have properties that enhance our reception of intimacy. Place a few drops of these oils in your burner or diffuser for an exotic fragrance in your boudoir!
* Light some vanilla scented or beeswax candles for the bedroom. Choose candles without paraffin - they are better for you, your lover and the environment whilst the scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust."

Ditch Caffeine

Your partner will thank you for reducing your level of caffeine intake as your body's energy levels remain more constant, rather than being artificially boosted and then bottoming out. This will also help prevent mood swings, which can be detrimental to a relationship. Energy is also essential for any loving relationship. Some possible replacements are:

Dandelion coffee
Contrary to regular coffee, dandelion has the effect of detoxifying and cleansing the liver. It can be prepared café style as a cappuccino, latte or as you please.

Ginseng Root
Ginseng not only increases mental stimulation but also libido, improves circulation and blood supply. Ginseng can be taken in tablet form or consumed as an ingredient in herbal tea.

Fresh juice
Fresh juice is a fantastic alternative especially in the summer months. The team at Macro Wholefoods Market suggest a 'Lover's Juice' with watermelon, crushed ice, rosewater and a dash of mint.