If you want to spice things up in the bedroom, consider adding some hot chili peppers to your meal. These little powder kegs are thought to release mood-boosting endorphins, and its chemical components will get your heart racing. Wowza!

Avocado

This sensuous fruit has been deemed an aphrodisiac due to its velvety texture and erotic shape. Aside from making your hair and skin beautiful, the avocado has been known to increase testosterone production and libido. Tellingly, the ancient Aztecs called the avocado tree “ahuacatl”, or “testicle tree”.

Almonds

As well as being associated with female fertility for centuries, this delicious snack contains nitric oxide to increase blood flow. It can also sensitise nerve responses and boost your energy – all good things for the bedroom.

Maca root

Known as “nature’s Viagra” in its native Peru, this root was prized by the Inca back in the day, and is now commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is said to boost endurance, libido and energy, while balancing hormones and increasing fertility. A super food indeed.

Figs

A symbol of fertility since the time of Adam and Eve, the soft, sumptuous fig is packed with antioxidants, fibre and potassium. It’s considered an aphrodisiac due to its feminine shape and association with love in ancient Greek tradition. It was even rumoured to be Cleopatra’s favourite fruit. Now there’s someone we should be taking lessons in seduction from.

Asparagus

Mention of this phallic vegetable as a passion powerhouse goes as far back as the Kama Sutra and ancient Greek poetry. Asparagus is packed with vitamin E and folate, both associated with a healthy sex drive. The Vegetarian Society recommends eating this superfood for three days straight for the best effect. For the brave and serious only.

Oysters

While it’s probably the most well-known aphrodisiac food, just the sight of this little mollusc can make some people’s stomach turn – probably not the reaction you’re going for. If raw shellfish is your thing, though, this zinc-rich delicacy is one of the few to have been scientifically proven to increase sex drive. It also contains dopamine, aka the pleasure hormone. Casanova – who famously breakfasted on 50 oysters a day – obviously knew what he was doing.

Pomegranate

The seeds of this sensual fruit have been linked with passion and fertility since biblical times, and was considered a symbol of Aphrodite by the ancient Greeks. In addition to its anti-ageing and cancer-fighting properties, the pomegranate has been found to increase testosterone levels and raise women’s sex drive. The stuff of dreams.

Coffee

Caffeine will send a jolt of energy to your circulatory system, and its alkaloids are said to sexual performance while also increasing stamina. All that adrenaline combined with a small rush of dopamine will elevate your mood, among other things.

Bananas

Ok, so it’s pretty easy to guess why this suggestively-shaped fruit is on the list. However, bananas are also rich in potassium and B vitamins important in the production of sex hormones. Who knew?

Artichokes

Tough on the outside and soft on the inside, this thorny delicacy will make you work hard for your reward. Greek mythology says the artichoke was born when Zeus was rejected by a beautiful young woman, whom he then punished by turning her into a prickly thistle. While its aphrodisiac effects are mostly folklore, the vegetable’s high antioxidant content and detoxification powers won’t hurt you.

Nutmeg

The ancient Chinese, Middle Eastern and African civilisations believed nutmeg put women in the mood. At the very least, it will warm the body by stimulating nerve cells and blood circulation. Try adding this spice to your coffee for a double dose of frisky.

Beetroot

According to Greek mythology, love goddess Aphrodite ate beets to make herself more desirable. Besides being insanely healthy for you, beets have high levels of boron to get your sex hormones into gear.

Pine nuts

Like oysters, pine nuts are high in zinc – an essential mineral associated with sexual potency in men. Pine nuts have been used as an ingredient in love potions for centuries in the Middle East, and also make for a tasty salad add-in.

Ginger

In addition to being a wonderful way to fight a cold, this spicy root will up your heart rate and get your blood flowing, erm, down there. Its potent scent and warming properties are sure to get you in the mood.

Truffles

This rare and expensive fungus tastes much better than it looks. Its rich, musky aroma is said to replicate that of pheromones – the chemical in the body that attracts the opposite sex. We’re just saying, you might want to get your wallets out for this one.

Arugula

This peppery plant has been praised as an aphrodisiac since the first century AD – the ancient Romans actually associated arugula with the god of fertility. Nowadays arugula is considered a superfood for its many minerals and antioxidants, but it also protects our reproductive organs from libido-reducing contaminants. So it’s basically a win-win situation.

Strawberries

Perfect for finger-feeding to your partner, this heart-shaped fruit is also a zinc-rich aphrodisiac. Legend has it that splitting a strawberry with someone will make the two of you fall in love. Aww.

Chocolate

The undisputed king of Valentine’s Day treats has been associated with love and lust as far back as the ancient Mayans and Aztecs. It contains phenylethylamine and serotonin, which are the chemicals naturally released in the body when you’re feeling happy or passionate. It may not increase your sex drive, but it sure will put you in a good mood.

Originally published on the Evening Standard Online, January 27, 2015.