Food to Get You in the Mood this Valentine’s Day

Looking for something special to get you in the mood this Valentine’s Day?  For centuries, people have looked to food as a way to boost libido.  Additionally, good nutrition is important for healthy sexual functioning.  So, why not prepare a light, romantic meal for two this Valentine’s Day? Below are two delicious recipes, full of fresh ingredients and rich in healthy nutrients, to help get your Valentine’s Day off to a romantic start.

Valentine’s Day Shrimp Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (8 ounce) package angel hair pasta
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined
• 1 small can Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chopped arugula (located in grocery stores with bagged lettuce)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Place pasta in a colander, and give it a quick rinse with cold water.
2. Heat remaining olive oil in a 10 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, stirring constantly, until the garlic is tender, about 1 minute. Do not let the garlic burn. Add shrimp, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove shrimp from the skillet, and set aside.
3. Stir tomatoes, wine, arugula, pine nuts and basil into the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by half, 8 to 12 minutes. Add shrimp, and continue cooking until the shrimp are heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Serve the shrimp mixture over the pasta. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Dark Chocolate-Covered Fruit

INGREDIENTS

• 16 ounces dark chocolate chips
• 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed
• 2 bananas, peeled and cut in half
• 4 ounces fresh raspberries, washed
• Toothpicks

DIRECTIONS

1. Put chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and microwave 45 seconds at a time, stirring at each interval until smooth

2. Dip fruit into chocolate, using toothpicks to dip raspberries.

3. Place fruit on wax paper and refrigerate until hardened (takes a couple hours.)

Health benefits of ingredients:

Arugula

• Contains Vitamin A, a nutrient important in formation of sperm and sex hormones
• Source of folate, a nutrient important for preventing birth defects, also aids in the production of dopamine- a chemical that produces pleasure sensations in the brain

Basil

• Rich in antioxidants, and provides some vitamin A

Pine nuts

• Rich in unsaturated fatty acids which help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow and prevent cardiovascular disease
• A good source of vitamin E, which aids in the formation of sex hormones

Shrimp

• Good source of zinc, which helps prevent PMS symptoms and miscarriage in pregnant women, and aids in sperm and testosterone production
• Excellent source of selenium, which may help boost fertility

Garlic

• A powerful antioxidant with multiple cardiovascular benefits

Dark Chocolate

• Rich in antioxidants and temporarily improves blood flow
• Contains “feel good” hormones serotonin and caffeine

Raspberries

• High in vitamin C, a nutrient which helps protect sperm from free-radicals
• High in fiber – 8g per serving (1 cup)

Strawberries

• Excellent source of antioxidants, low in calories and very high in Vitamin C and fiber

Bananas

• High in vitamin B6, which helps prevent erectile dysfunction and may reduce symptoms of PMS
• Good source of potassium and fiber

Final Ingredient: As you toast your relationship this Valentine’s Day, look into your partner’s eyes and tell your loved one why he or she is so important to you.