5 aphrodisiac foods for Valentine's Day

Nuts and sesame seeds

By Elisa Bosley

Certain healthy foods are traditionally considered aphrodisiacs, and what better time than Valentine's Day to try them? Add these aphrodisiac foods to your grocery cart, suggests the fortuitously named Melody Hart, ND, PhD, of ChicagoHealers.com.

Nuts and sesame seeds, says Hart, contain the amino acid L-arginine that enhances blood flow throughout the body. Try our nut-and-seed-laden Coconut Almond Crunch Granola.

Dark chocolate (70% or more cocoa)

Chocolate "releases pleasure-enhancing endorphins in the brain, plus contains the feel-good chemicals phenylethylamine and serotonin, released by the brain when you are happy or feeling loving or passionate," says Hart. These Chocolate Lava Cakes ought to do the trick.

Oysters

The richest food source of zinc, which does good things for sperm, oysters also boost blood health with iron. Try one of my favorite Valentine's Day recipes, Warm Oysters on the Half Shell with Spicy Ponzu — it's easy, and a showstopper.

Licorice

Licorice improves circulation, acts as a stress reliever, and has a stimulating smell, especially for women. Anise, an herb often mistaken for licorice because of the similar smell, adds a wonderful scent to these Anise-Orange Rye Rolls, perfect to serve with dinner. And look for Panda all-natural Licorice Chews at your natural foods store.

Chile peppers

Capsaicin, the compound that makes peppers hot, increases circulation and releases feel-good endorphins. For a spicy and superhealthy vegetable dish, try Kale with Ginger and Chiles.

Check out even more libido-loving foods and get cooking!