An aphrodisiac is a food, drink, drug, scent, or device that, promoters claim, can arouse or increase sexual desire, or libido. A broader definition includes products that improve sexual performance— when it comes to food, think Viagra on a plate...

Named after Aphrodite— the goddess of love, beauty and sexual rapture— the list  of supposed

sexual stimulants includes anchovies and adrenaline, licorice and lard, chilies, Spanish fly, and hundreds of other items. Montezuma is said to have drank 50 cups of chocolate every day to boost his virility to meet the needs of his harem of 600 women, whereas the famed Casanova swore by a romantic diet of oysters, along with champagne and chocolate. Here are some of the historically-acclaimed foods of love...

From the Sea 

Oysters  

Because Aphrodite was said to be born from the sea, many types of seafood have reputations as aphrodisiacs.

Oysters are particularly esteemed as sex aids, possibly gaining their reputation at a time when their contribution of zinc (which stimulates the formation of testosterone), calcium, niacin, iron, and protein to the nutritionally deficient diets of the day could improve overall health and so lead to an increased sex drive.  

Some oysters repeatedly change their sex from male to female and back, giving rise to claims that the oyster lets one experience both the masculine and feminine sides of love.

18th century satirist Jonathan Swift once wrote: "He was a bold man that first ate an oyster." Despite their stony, inorganic outer appearance and recent negation by modern science these succulent bivalves have been a culinary favorite for thousands of years, and continue to carry the racy, romantic connotations of aphrodisiacs.  

Caviar  

Caviar—also known as roe—is high in zinc and also appears to have qualities that promote nerve cell activity, which can intensify our romantic sensitivity. It is rumored that caviar's potency is enhanced when accompanied by a swish of vodka...

Addicted to Love  

Chocolate

This classic food of love contains a mild central nervous system stimulant that helps heighten mood, as well as a sedative which relaxes and lowers inhibitions.   Chocolate cravings are admitted by 15% of men and around 40% of women. Cravings are usually most intense in the late afternoon and early evening.  

Perhaps chocolate's key ingredient is its phenylethylamine 'love-chemical', a naturally-occurring trace substance in the brain, which releases dopamine in the brain's pleasure-centers and just happens to peak during orgasm. It helps mediate feelings of attraction, excitement, giddiness, apprehension and euphoria. 

Research also shows that dark chocolate contains cholesterol-battling anti-oxidants, making it a prescription for your heart health as well as your love life.   

Coffee

Coffee drinkers are reportedly more sexually active than non-coffee drinkers. Coffee-drinking men also reported less erectile dysfunction. Caffeine (also found in chocolate) does more than stimulate wakefulness. It also has antidepressant action that may contribute to its sex-stimulating effect.  

Alcohol

A glass or two will lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body, but beware, too much could burst your bubble! 

The Shape of Things  

Bananas

Some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance, but the fruit's phallic shape is the primary factor leading to its racy rep.  

Asparagus

According to a 17th-century herbalist, asparagus 'stirs up lust in man and woman'.

Aromas  

Across the Animal Kingdom, pheromones are chemical substances that communicate emotions by smell. A recent survey showed that the smell of pumpkin pie was the most sexually stimulating aroma in younger men and that vanilla had the same effect in older men.  

Licorice  

Studies show that the smell of black licorice significantly increases penile blood flow.

Flavor & Pleasure 

Garlic  

Despite the affects it has on your breath, the heat in garlic supposedly fires the flames of passion. This pungent member of the lily family's smelly side-effects are neutralized when both parties consume it.  

Saffron  

This expensive spice has been reputed to increase the sensitivity of erogenous zones. Saffron is made from the dried stigmas of a type of crocus; 225,000 stigmas are required to make one pound of this spice, which was once worth its weight in gold.  

Truffles  

These fungus delicacies contain a chemical that is similar to the male pig sex hormone—hence the reason why sows are used to search them out. The chemical in truffles is also similar to a human male sex hormone, which gives truffles their romantic reputation.

Cayenne 

Cayenne releases endorphins into the system, building the immune system, but its impact is most potent in men, where it builds and fans a fire. Loaded with vitamin C, the erotic effects will be most noticeable immediately after consumption. Cayenne is hot in every way.