As that day of love is nearly upon us, we at Mara thought we would give out some loving advice to all men. "The sea cures the maladies of man." said that wise philosopher Euripides, he could have enlarged upon this by saying: To be a virile and healthy man you need the right amount of minerals and vitamins in your body. All of these are found in good quantities in seaweed, the sea's loose and supple aphrodisiac!

Seaweeds contain the following nutrients, all of which help with male virility:

Vitamin A*- important for the production of sperm and testosterone. This vitamin is also needed for good vision and for skin health.

Magnesium - helps you relax, physically and mentally.

Zinc - helps the body to produce hormones such as testosterone – a key component in getting (and keeping) you in the mood. increase sperm production, so it's an important mineral for fertility too!

Protein* - Protein, which is made from amino acids, helps to produce serotonin and dopamine that can give you feelings of well-being by heightening your mood. Interesting fact: Kombu's umami flavour is created by it's high amino acids content.

So listen up men, our advice to you this valentines day is; Eat seaweed, feel happy, be happy, go share that happiness with the one you love.

*Source: The Journal of Clinical Investigation 'The key role of vitamin A in spermatogenesis'

*Source: Advances in Food and Nutrition Research 'Seaweed Proteins and Amino Acids as Nutraceuticals'