We admit, we usually don’t think of fish as sexy — unless it’s sushi placed on a naked model’s body in the name of art. But Maria Finn, author of the new TED ebook The Whole Fish, says eating the creature can make sex better. In that case, we’ll have the seafood platter! Check out Finn’s simple tips on how to make fish a part of your day-to-day routine:
Sexcerpts: So how, exactly, can eating fish improve your sex life? Does it have to do with libido, endurance in the bedroom, or both?
Finn: “Sustainable seafood is multi-faceted in how it impacts your sex life. First, eating fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon — and especially the fatty rich areas include the skin, belly, heads and eggs — and sardines. Along with wild salmon, sardines, anchovies, and herring make your hair shinier and your skin suppler. Eating oysters actually helps with collagen growth. So you’re more physically attractive.
“Studies have also shown that eating seafood raises IQ levels, so you’re smarter and this can help attract a mate. Omega-3 fatty acids also raise your serotonin levels, and this is in itself a mental aphrodisiac, and all the protein gives you physical stamina. Oysters are rich in zinc, and this increases sperm count as well as testosterone and estrogen levels. Then there are more abstract ways. Trying new foods with your partner means that you are being creative and adventurous together — if it happens in the kitchen, it can happen in the bedroom as well.”
What’s an easy way to incorporate fish into your diet without a lot of hassle?
“Buy fish that is in season and local if possible. (Check the Seafood Watch App at Monterey Bay Aquarium to make sure it’s sustainable). If you see a small fish, like a trout, for sale at the farmer’s market or grocery store, buy it whole and ask the fishmonger to clean it for you. Grill it, serve with a little lemon, flake the meat off the bones — if it’s fresh, it won’t need anything too fancy with it. Clams and mussels are super easy to prepare and don’t cost much — just steam them open in a little white wine. Or you can purchase cans of sardines (I like Wild Planet sardines in olive oil), and eat them on crackers or toast as an easy appetizer. There’s a great recipe in the book on using canned sardines. Also, you puree anchovies into citrus salad dressing. There’s a simple recipe in the book for this.
If you’re cooking for someone who isn’t a huge fish fan (maybe it’s your significant other, whom you’re trying to get to reap the benefits as well), how can you cook fish in order to please everyone’s palate?
“I was on a trip with a sworn fish hater last summer, and I fed him smoked salmon on crackers with a little goat cheese, and now he’s a fan. I love raw oysters, but if someone takes issue with this, bake them with some creamed spinach and grating of cheese. Also, many people who think they don’t like seafood just haven’t had really good fresh stuff. Prepare a fresh fillet of salmon, halibut, or sablefish. Serve it with wine, dim the lights, dress sexy. He’ll or she will love the seafood.”
Buy The Whole Fish for only $3 here!
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