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Valentine's Day: Do these aphrodisiac foods really work?

Food expert Jo Romero looks at which foods should you be eating this Valentine's Day to get in the mood...

Romantic dinners often feature foods like chocolate, oysters and wine - which are all reputed to boost sex drive. But is it all just old wives’ tales or does science back it up? We look at the evidence...

Chocolate



Casanova was a fan of chocolate, and was said to drink a cup or two of the stuff before making love. But could it really be an aphrodisiac? Well, eating it does stimulate the production of endorphins - the same feel-good chemical released in the brain when we’re in love. And a 2009 Swiss study found that chocolate eaters were more likely to have lower levels of stress, which might help get you all starry-eyed with a loved one. But society also considers chocolate a luxury romantic treat - so it’s reputation as an aphrodisiac could be down to commercial reasons, too.

Chillies




Yep. It’s long been thought that chilli peppers could heat things up in the bedroom. And there’s no doubt that a spicy dish often gets the mouth tingling and raises temperatures. But don’t overdo it, or you’ll be a panting, sweating mess. Just like chocolate, a little chilli has been known to kick-start the release of endorphins as the brain tries to counteract the heat and pain it caused in the first place. 

Oysters



Oysters were another of Casanova’s favourites. Apparently he ate 50 in just one sitting. But we’ve been eating these little wobbly shellfish long before Casanova: the ancient Romans used to devour them at banquets, and they’re thought to have been a favourite of Stone Age man. But is there really a link between eating oysters and sex drive? Well, yes - science backs it up. An Italian study in 2005 found that oysters contain two rare amino acids that can boost sexual appetite.



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Alcohol



While a sip or two of champagne could get you feeling frisky, too much could be a bit of a disaster. Drinking alcohol can lower inhibitions and make you feel more relaxed, so it’s possible to see it as an aphrodisiac. But a 2002 study urges caution. Researchers studying the link between alcohol and sexual behaviour found that although ‘drinking was strongly related to the decision to have sex’, it was also linked to more risk-taking. Plus, just like chocolate, there’s a social expectation - often spurred on by advertising - of alcohol as romantic and sexy. A little might be good to set the mood, but don’t overdo it.

Asparagus



This tender green spear was a favourite of medieval writers, and it still has romantic connections in modern times. One 15th century sex manual gives a recipe for a sure-fire aphrodisiac: boil some asparagus spears, fry the spears in fat and then pour egg yolks over the top before eating. The book also promotes onion as an aphrodisiac too, although we’re not so sure about that one. Asparagus’ reputation probably has a lot to do with its appearance, but science comes to the rescue, too. Asparagus is a good source of vitamin E which is thought to help stimulate sex drive.

Figs



Figs are sensuous - they’re soft when ripe and sweetly scented. They’re thought to have been a favourite of that ancient Egyptian temptress Cleopatra, too. Figs are powerhouses of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, folate, B vitamins and vitamin E. And like oysters, they contain high levels of amino acids, which are important for a healthy sex drive. By brilliant coincidence, figs taste wonderful with vanilla and honey, which are also thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. 

What do you think? Like the sound of any of these? Do you think aphrodisiac foods really work? Let us know on Twitter.