Photo by Aussie Gall.

Throughout history, certain foods have gained the reputation of being aphrodisiacs but what does this term really mean? In most cases the distinction is a myth or an old wives’ tale but is there some truth to the folklore? Few scientific studies have been carried out in the matter but that’s never stopped people from believing, for thousands of years, that certain foods can affect their love lives.

In ancient times, particular foods were sought out to increase fertility and sex drive because basically, we used to believe this:

1. If a food resembles genitalia, it possesses sexual powers! For example, bananas, carrots, and asparagus have a phallic shape, whereas other foods like oysters, and figs (when cut) can be decidedly vaginal.
2. If an object represents seeds or semen (caviar, eggs, nuts, and bulbs like garlic and onions), it increases fertility.
3. If a food brings heat, excitement or relaxation (either by taste, touch or smell), it can be sexually arousing. Chocolate and coffee excite the body with caffeine, alcohol relaxes and releases inhibitions, and other foods like vanilla can stimulate the body and mind with just a whiff.

Here’s my modern alphabet of aphrodisiacs:

• Almonds and other nuts: Almonds are a longtime symbol of fertility and the aroma is said to induce passion in females (the fragrance is often used in women’s beauty products for this reason). Walnuts and pine nuts have been purported to enhance fertility since ancient Roman times. Pine nuts are also rich in zinc, so like oysters, they can treat zinc deficiency impotence.
• Anise: Toted for its aphrodisiac properties by the ancient Greeks and the Romans, and a great licorice-flavored addition to many recipes.
• Arugula: These fresh leafy greens have been termed an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. Great when added to pastas, in salads (see below), and can be substituted for basil in homemade pestos.
• Basil: Said to stimulate the libido, enhance fertility and create an overall sense of well-being for the body.
• Chocolate: There is no doubt that eating chocolate makes you feel good. Read all the effects chocolate has on your brain here.
• Figs: A sliced open fig emulates the female sex organs in appearance and is toted as a sexual stimulant. And hey, it’s a delicious sweet or savory snack.
• Garlic: The ‘heat’ in garlic is rumored to arouse sexual desires but I assume this only works if you and your partner BOTH enjoy garlic together!
• Ginger: A stimulant to the circulatory system, ginger can awaken the senses.
• Oysters: Perhaps the most infamous of all the aphrodisiacs, slippery little oysters are full of zinc. Zinc controls progesterone levels, which can have a positive effect on the libido, and can prevent impotence in men.
• Raspberries and Strawberries: Both of these sweet berries are high in vitamin C, and are the perfect size to feed to your lover, dipped in chocolate or softly whipped cream!
• Vanilla: The aroma of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, create a menu chock full of  these ‘lusty’ ingredients to serve to your sweetheart, or at an anti-Valentine’s dinner party with your fabulous single friends. Try these tempting recipes and let us know if they inspire anything special afterward!

Photo by Author.

PRESSED SALAD
I love this salad because it has a great sweet and savory taste, it uses my favorite lettuce, the slightly bitter arugula, and because it has a great presentation on the plate.  Serves 4.

SALAD

• 8 ounces baby arugula
• 1/2 cup shaved asiago cheese
• 12 sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup toasted, chopped almonds or walnuts, or candied nuts for extra sweetness
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced, dried figs

Photo by Author.

SHERRY-SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup sherry vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped shallot
• 1/2 teaspoons finely minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Toss all salad ingredients together in a large bowl.  Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss.  Firmly press salad into a small cup (as pictured). Invert cup onto serving plate and remove cup. The dressing will be the ‘glue’ that holds the salad in formation.  NOTE: do not dress to far in advance to avoid excessive wilting.

CHOCOLATE POMEGRANATE CLUSTERS
Try these decadent treats that yield a refreshing “pop” when you bite into them.  The perfect end to a romantic meal. Serves 4.

• 1 large or 2 medium pomegranate, enough to yield scant cup 1 cup (8 ounces) pomegranate arils
• 2/3 cup (4 ounces) organic bittersweet chocolate chips, such as Ghirardelli 60% or other high quality dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces
• 1/4 teaspoon curry powder or chili powder (optional—but I think it really “spices things up!”)
• 1/4 cup fresh spearmint or peppermint, stemmed and julienned

Photo Courtesy of McCheeck

Score the pomegranate and place in a bowl of water.  Gently, break it open with your hands under water to let the arils (the little pods) sink to the bottom and the membrane float to the top.  Rinse and drain in a colander, and lay out a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. Melt chocolate chips in a heavy-bottomed small saucepan over low-to-medium heat stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove saucepan from the burner. Add pomegranate seeds and stir in curry/chili powder, if desired.  Use a fork to scoop out small chocolate-covered clusters, and place each on a wax paper lined plate. Garnish with mint. Refrigerate until chocolate is firm, about 15 minutes.  Viola!  Serve with a glass of heavy Cabernet or chilled Champagne.

Laura Seery creates memorable events for San Diego's most discerning eaters at Culinary Concepts Catering. A graduate of University of California, San Diego and a self-taught chef, Laura enjoys writing for her blog about all things delicious, nutritious and green.

Photo by madabandon.

It’s no coincidence that Summer squash and zucchini are watery hydrating foods, low in calories, while Winter squash varieties are more nourishing and dense. Eating seasonally ensures a varied diet and it makes sense: our bodies need different types of nourishment during the different seasons, and when it comes to nutrition, nature knows best.

Photo by bhamsandwich.

Winter squash come in many sizes and shapes.  Look for butternut, acorn, spaghetti, hubbard, turban, and pumpkin.  These hardy gourds are safely encased packages of nutritious, sweet and creamy flesh and are high in beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese.

Beta-cryptoxanthin, a relative of beta-carotene, found in orange and red foods including squash has been found in studies to lower one’s risk for lung cancer.

The carotenoids in winter squash are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, preventing the oxidation of cholesterol and development of atherosclerosis in the blood vessels.

It is important to note that carotenoids in winter squash are fat-soluble, so here’s your excuse to slather on some butter or olive oil to optimize the absorption of all of the colorful goodies your squash has to offer.

Some of my favorite dishes of the season are sweet butternut squash soup, spaghetti squash as a gluten free pasta dish, and a simple roasted acorn squash accompanying a deliciously crisp, roast chicken.

So preheat your oven and try one of these recipes for dinner this week:

• How to roast winter squash
• Butternut squash soup
• Spaghetti squash with tomatoes and basil

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by SoapBeard.

Although I have no childhood memories of roasting them over an open fire after a long day of sledding, I still feel quite nostalgic when it comes to chestnuts. In England, I was a big fan of schoolyard conker fights (if you know the game, please leave your best conker hardening tips in the comment section. I used to soak them in vinegar over night, then bake and rub with fine grain salt).

Perhaps our love affair with chestnuts comes from the song, or the fact that this rare nut is high in carbohydrates (which equal comfort food). Chestnuts can be likened to a grain more than a nut due to their relatively low fat content and high complex carbohydrate and fiber content.

As you start hibernating this winter, collecting your firewood, and taking out aunt Gertrude’s holiday sweaters, you can feel good about nibbling on these toasty treats. Chestnuts are an excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin C and a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, and folate.

Chestnuts are also a good source of minerals including:

• Potassium
• Manganese
• Copper
• Phosphorus
• Magnesium
• Iron

Chestnuts can be a great addition to your winter diet to help boost your immune system with high vitamin C content and can also be a good source of a gluten free carbohydrate in your diet!

Aside from finding the stray chestnut during your walk in the park, here are some buying and storing tips for chestnuts. Surprise your friends and family with a fun snack with this easy recipe for roasting chestnuts (not on an open fire)

Try one of these yummy chestnut stuffing recipes this Thanksgiving!

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by clayirving.

A hot bowl of leek soup on a chilly autumn day is just the thing if you ask me. Like most of nature’s edible goodies, this weeks superfood is loaded with nutrients that nourish your body and add flavor to your dishes including vitamin C, manganese, iron, folate and vitamin B6. Leeks are a good source of fiber, too.

Leeks come from the same family of vegetables as onions and garlic, the Allium family and just like onions and garlic, leeks help prevent heart disease and reduce the risk for certain cancers.

Other amazing qualities of the super leek

• Lowers LDL and increases HDL cholesterol reducing atherosclerosis and risk for heart disease.
• Lowers high blood pressure reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke.
• Reduces the risk of prostate and colon cancer.
• Contains a flavonoid called kaempferol which has been shown to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Some recipes that make the most of this mild and slightly sweet vegetable

• Elana’s thyme salmon with leek coulis (gluten free)
• Caramelized leek soup (gluten free)
• Roast pork loin with shiitake and leek compote (gluten free)

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by Ruta & Zinas.

I was recently on business in Bangkok when I awoke with the type of bone aching pain I thought could only happen in cheap Halloween movies.

I felt as though I had some form of the plague, avian flu or swine flu. With no idea where to go or who to see in Bangkok I made this really simple, extremely powerful antiviral, immune system-enhancing, microbe-crushing tea. I drank about a liter or two a day and was on my feet in 2 days.

• Juice  a bunch of citrus for some serious vitamin C. Grapefruit, orange, limes and lemons. (I had to use pomelo in Thailand). Find your own proportions depending on what tastes good, I like 1 of each but use 2 lemons.
• 3 inches of ginger peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons honey
• Pinch of cayenne powder if you’ve started running a fever
• Add ginger, garlic,  to a saucepan and bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Strain and add the fresh juice, cayenne and honey.
• Sip until you feel human again!

For some more tips read Dr. Gibran Ramos’ awesome tips to maximize your immunity and Christine Dionese’s Chinese medicine immune boosting tips and Treating kids this flu season.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by Smleon.

The Greeks knew it: grapes are the food of the gods. They even named a god, Dionysus, after this ambrosial fruit. Perhaps the Greeks knew what scientists and researchers are just discovering today:

Grapes are loaded with Flavonoids, including powerful compounds called quercetin, resveratrol, and anthocyanins. These Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that give grapes, and other  colorful fruits and veggies, their lovely deep purple color. White grapes also have beneficial properties, but red grapes have a much higher content of antioxidants including flavinoids anthocyanins and resveratrol.

Grapes are also great  sources of;

• manganese
• vitamin B6
• thiamin (vitamin B1)
• potassium
• vitamin C.

If the delicious crunch of tart grapes isn’t enough, here are some more reasons to pop a grape or two next time you have a sweet tooth!

Lower your risk of heart disease, heart attack and strokes!

• Flavonoids decrease platelet aggregation and enhance Nitric Oxide release which prevents blood clots.
• Resveratrol has been shown to protect against arterial wall damage by decreasing oxidation of LDL cholesterol that blocks and damages the arteries. (LDL cholesterol is not harmful in and of itself, it only becomes dangerous once it has been oxidized, damaged by free radicals)
• Resveratrol helps to prevent hypertension by inhibiting the release of endothelin 1, a potent blood vessel constrictor.
• The flavonoids and vitamin C in Grapes help to strengthen connective tissue, preventing the rupture or leakage of blood vessels and capillaries.

Lower your risk for cancer, especially colorectal and breast cancer!

• Resveratrol has been shown to decrease tumor activity by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), an enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to pro-inflammatory substances that stimulate tumor-cell growth.
• Anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins in grapes appear to inhibit cancer proliferation by synergistically working together to suppress the growth of an enzyme called, human DNA topoisomerase II,  which is necessary for the spread of cancer cells.

Lower your risk for Alzheimer’s and other Neurodegenerative Diseases;

• Studies suggest that Resveratrol lowers levels of amyloid-beta peptides which are found in the plaques that are present in the brains of patients with Alzheimers disease.

I could go on and on about the health benefits but I think you get the idea!

As always, it’s always best to buy organic to reduce carcinogenic effects, toxic load on your liver and the environment, but it is even more important to choose organic  when it comes to the “Dirty Dozen”, the Top 12 foods with the highest level of pesticide residue.  If you can’t buy organic, always by grapes grown in the US, as imported grapes are among the top 12  with the most pesticide residue.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by Guerrilla Futures Jason Tester.

If your brain has been affected by anti-white food propaganda, you may be pushing all non-colorful vegetables out of your peripheral vision, and your pantry. Okay folks, here is one big fat tasty exception to the rule: Cauliflower.

Cauliflower is a shy one, and even though its pale demeanor doesn’t jump out at you in the produce section, screaming “TAKE ME HOME,” it’s loaded with a bunch of nutritious goodness including:

• Vitamin C a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  It works to keep your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, helps with wound healing, collagen and tissue repair, and keeps you strong during cold and flu season.
• Folate a B vitamin that your body needs to make healthy new cells and  is super important during pregnancy and when you are trying to concieve.
• Vitamin K which your body needs to make healthy bones and prevent against osteoporosis.
• Fiber which keeps your digestive tract happy and healthy.  Fiber lowers the glycemic index of your meal, keeping your blood sugar and energy levels steady.
• Cancer preventing compounds often found in the cruciferous family (cabbage, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, bok choy). These sulfur-containing phytochemicals  have been shown to disrupt the growth of cancer cells, detox carcinogens and break down excess estradiol which is associated with breast cancer.

Add some herbs, spices, butter and garlic and you can do just about anything with this hardy head of florets!  Try replacing your mashed potatoes with mashed cauliflower this week and see if your kids notice! Here’s a great recipe.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by author.

I took this picture on a crisp New York spring day a few years ago. This is too easy but I’m going to say it: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It might just be the recognizable medical adage out there. It also might be true.

Apples are a perfect symbol of health. They’re delicious and they’re packed with;

• Antioxidants but especially quercetin. This particular antioxidant has risen to fame in its use for allergic reactions (hay-fever, itchy runny eyes etc). When in its supplement form it’s usually combined with vitamin C and bromelain, how convenient that this whole food version packs a mean punch of both.
• Vitamin C
• Pectin. This is processed and added to jam, along with sugar, to give it that sticky consistency. Also, pectin is a form of soluble fiber which can help in the prevention of cholesterol buildup in your arteries.

The highest quantities of both of these nutrients is concentrated in the skin, so get yourself a nice crunchy organic one and don’t peel the skin!

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by sarae.

As soon as I think of raspberries I’m transported to a late summer day lying inside a raspberry patch in my old garden in Portland, Oregon. I think the best berries come from the Pacific Northwest, which makes me a little sad because I can’t eat average raspberries anymore.

If you are fortunate enough to stumble upon a raspberry patch or find some good wild ones at the market, savor them fresh. They’re really good for you:

• Raspberries are loaded with vitamin C and manganese. 1 cup will give you about half your daily value of each. Freezing will significantly reduce the vitamin C.
• High in anthocyanin flavonoids which give them that gorgeous red color and antioxidant punch.
• High in ellagic acid (endorsed by the American Cancer Association) which fights cancer and is often found in supplements. Freezing greatly reduces these. Here’s a whole food version.

Raspberry leaves, known to herbalists as Rubus idaeus, have their own set of delights 

• High in magnesium and great for cramps, and sore muscles
• Adaptogenic to uterine muscles.  Will both relax (due to effects on calcium & magnesium) and contract due to the astringent effect of the tannins.
• Tea can helpful in early stages of diarrhea, again because of the tannins

Enjoy the spoils of the end of summer: raspberries!

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by vivain.

Slippery Elm Syrup and Throat Coat Tea are two prepared products to take with you on the go to help moisten dryness and assist in healing tissue.

The Immunity in Your Gut: Probiotics

Most are surprised to learn that approximately ¾ of your immune function takes place within the digestive system! Beneficial bacteria when properly maintained are one of the body’s strongest lines of defense. Therapeutic levels can be achieved with a high quality refrigerated probiotic supplement.  If you’re allergic to dairy, several non-dairy forms are available.

Christine M. Dionese L.Ac. specializes in integrative medicine, medical journalism and is the VP of marketing at WellWire LLC. Visit her wellness and lifestyle blog, Reaching Beyond Now.

Photo by Jeff Moser Bike Carson.

Originally from the Mediterranean, only the leaves were eaten historically.  The Romans were the first civilization to cultivate deeply pigmented roots for food.  We have Napoleon to thank for beets being a primary source of sugar when the passed a decree in the 19th century - The first sugar factory was built it Poland.

Buy fresh beets and please eat the stems! steam them, saute them (as you would spinach) they are loaded with nutrients.  The deep purple color is a powerful pigment called betacyanin which has been shown to be very protective against colon cancer.  The root is very high in vitamin C, potassium, folate and manganese.  They are also high in fiber.  Very high carotenoid content.

Pigmented beet powder is used as a coloring agent and often finds it’s way into the tomato sauce of frozen pizzas.  The pigments will change the color of your urine and stool to a red or pink color, don’t be alarmed its a harmless process sometimes called beeturia.

The pigment that gives beets their rich, purple-crimson color-betacyanin-is also a powerfulcancer-fighting agent. Beets’ potential effectiveness against colon cancer, in particular, has been demonstrated in several studies.  Historically used to help liver disorders as part of it’s detoxifying effect.

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.

Photo by adjustafresh.

Imagine this.  You’re a bucket filled with water which represents all of life’s many insults on your system.  I don’t mean the underhand comment from your boss. I mean the 8 krispy-kreme doughnuts by lunch, the polluted cities we live in and the generally low quality food and water we ingest.  In essence, the bucket is full.  Now when we are living our lives in this state, the addition of a single drop of water causes the bucket to overflow.  The body is overloaded as it were, and the immune response is hyperactive, mediated by IgE immunoglobulins.  The symptomatic relief is directed at both preventing the water from spilling out, and emptying the bucket.

I used to suffer from debilitating seasonal allergies which were 100% resolved with acupuncture (heres the wonderful lady who helped me) and homeopathy.  The following over the counter products will help tame the reactive immune system and will often be needed on a continual basis during allergy season.

1. Quercetin – Antioxidant with antihistamine & anti-inflammatory properties found primarily in apples & onions.  Difficult to absorb, so usually combined with bromelain.
2. Bromelain – Proteolytic enzyme found in pineapples, useful for reducing the sinus inflammation accompanying allergies (take on an empty stomach).
3. Vitamin C - Everyone’s favorite everyday natural anti-histamine.
4. Stinging Nettles – Plant with anti-histamine properties.
5. Food sensitivities - Eliminate common food allergens during allergy season to reduce your total inflammation;  wheat, dairy, corn, soy, citrus, peanuts, tomatoes and potatoes.
6. Netti pot - Cleanse out pollen allergens from your sinus cavity with saline. (how to video posted under my videos – bottom right column of the blog)
7. Fish oil – Powerful anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
8. Air purifier – You spend SO much time indoors, and a lot of that sleeping.  At the least get one for the bedroom.  Make sure it has a HEPA filter, a little more expensive but worth it to reduce the amount of allergenic pollen floating around
9. Probiotics - Almost 70% of your immune system resides in your gut.  The correct bacterial balance will help to normalize your immune system and the subsequent immune reaction.
10. Homeopathy – safe, fast relief. Here are the most commonly used remedies and when to use them.  Look for a 6C or 30C dose.

• Allium Cepa – lots of watery discharge from the eyes with burning discharge from the nose.
• Arsenicum album – obstructed nose with burning watery discharge.  Tendency to effect the right side.  
• Euphrasia – extremely irritated eyes, with burning discharge from the eyes.
• Natrum muriaticum – whitish ‘egg white’ discharge, worse in the open air.
• Nux vomica - lots of sneezing and discharge, especially in the morning.
• Pulsatilla – terrible itching and tearing of the eyes, watery discharge which does not burn.

Some great, high quality products to get you started and relieve your symptoms today:

• Thorne Research - Quercenase
• Vital nutrients Aller-C
• Eclectic Institute Freeze dried nettles with quercetin
• Ancient Secrets Nasal cleansing pot
• Carlson Laboratories Fish oil
• HEPA filters
• Seroyal HMF forte probiotcs

Simple tips you can do everyday:

• Change into fresh cloths when you come inside.  Pollen tends to stick to your clothing.
• Eat whole fruits high in Vitamin C:  Guavas, currants, orange, lemon, grapefruit, peaches, kiwi, papaya, strawberries.
• Vacuum everyday, eliminate floor rugs and throws during this time.
• Keep windows closed.
• Change sheets frequently.
• Drink plenty of water.

For a long term holistic solution:

• Move to a desert!
• Find a Naturopathic Doctor
• Find an Acupuncturist

Dr. Nishant Rao is a co-founder of WellWire.com. He is a well-traveled naturopathic doctor and new father, practicing an integrative approach to create wellness in and around Los Angeles. Become a patient or discover his practice.