Spice Up Your Sex Life

You are what you eat when it comes to sex.

Love goddess Aphrodite was famed in mythology for her homemade ointments which she gave to her lovers to increase their sexual prowess. Her legend gave birth to the term 'aphrodisiac'.

Researchers today have endorsed her methods, saying the smell, taste, and even appearance of certain foods can not only get you in the mood for love, but may even make you a better flirt and lover.

"Different foods have different nutrients and substances that affect the body physiologically in different ways, that's why different foods work for different stages," says clinical sexologist Ava Cadell, PhD. "Some foods lower inhibitions, some get the blood flowing directly to the genitalia, and some foods release happy hormones."

So welcome back that lost libido with this A-Z of erotic foods and eat your way to a better sex life!

Aniseed
A very popular aphrodisiac with many culinary uses. It has been used as an aphrodisiac since the Greeks and the Romans, who believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increase your desire.

Asparagus
Not only is asparagus a sexy, long, phallic-looking food, but it's rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin E that can aid in hormone production and raising energy levels. The Vegetarian Society suggests "eating asparagus for three days for the most powerful affect".

Almond
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat.

Avocado
The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl which translated means "testicle tree". The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. This is a delicious fruit with a sensuous texture. Serve in slices with a small amount of Balsamic vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

Bananas
The fact that bananas have a phallic shape is partially responsible for popularity of the banana as an aphrodisiac food. From a more practical standpoint bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex hormone production. They also contain chemicals that reportedly have a mood-lifting effect on the brain and raises self-confidence.

Chilli Peppers
Research suggests that eating spicy foods could trigger the release of feel-good endorphins, which can help put you in the mood, and boosts circulation to the sex organs.

Chocolate
The Aztecs referred to chocolate "nourishment of the Gods". Not only does it contain a jolt of caffeine but it also contains chemicals thought to affect neurotransmitters in the brain.

Carrots
The phallus shaped carrot has been associated with stimulation since ancient times and was used by early Middle Eastern royalty to aid seduction. Their high-fibre content may induce sexual desire.

Figs
An open fig is thought to emulate the female sex organs and traditionally thought of as sexual stimulant. Serve fresh Black Mission figs in a cool bowl of water as it is done in Italy and be sure to eat with your fingers!

Ginger
Ginger root raw, cooked or crystallized is a stimulant to the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger can stir something spicy up in the bedroom later.

Honey
Many medicines in Egyptian times were based on honey including cures for sterility and impotence. Medieval seducers plied their partners with Mead, a fermented drink made from honey. Lovers on their "Honeymoon" drank mead and it was thought to s "sweeten" the marriage.

Liquorice
The Chinese have used licorice for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The essence of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) plan, glycrrhizin, is 50 times sweeter than sugar. Chewing on bits of licorice root is said to enhance love and lust. It is particularly stimulating to women.

Mangoes
Mangoes are packed with betacarotene needed for the production of oestrogen and testosterone.

Mustard
Believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire. Prepare a tenderloin roast (filet mignon) for two with a mustard and peppercorn sauce.

Oysters
Oysters contain zinc, a mineral that's needed for the production of testosterone, important for keeping up sex drive in men and women. They are also very nutritious and high in protein.

Pine Nuts
Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male and female potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. Pine nuts have been

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