Valentine's Day Aphrodisiacs

The old adage 'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach' is also true of women too! In babyworld's Sex survey 60 per cent of parents said their love life needed a pick-me-up so, why not try some of these famous aphrodisiacs to get your sexual appetite running! However, if you are trying for a baby make sure you read this article especially for you!

Asparagus – Definitely a veggie that enjoys a phallic shape, and its juicy interior has made it one of the most sensual vegetables. Buy young stems or just the tips, lightly steam and drizzle with dripping butter before popping them into your mouth for a healthy and satisfying treat.

Bananas – these contain an alkaloid compound called bufotenine which acts on the brain to improve your mood, self-confidence and possibly your sex drive. The most beneficial part is just below the skin, so make the most of it by baking bananas and scraping the flesh from the skin. Bananas are also rich in B vitamins, which are believed to be important in the manufacture of sex hormones.

Celery – this contains androstenone, which is a biochemical cousin of the male hormone testosterone and is believed to be the principal chemical of attraction or pheromone. The Romans dedicated celery to Pluto, their god of sex and the underworld, and crushed celery seeds (easily added to salads or breads) are said to be particularly potent.

Cinnamon – the spice is thought to tone the kidneys and produce a strong flow of energy; Chinese medicine links it to virile sexuality. Try sprinkling a little cinnamon on your baked bananas, stirring a cinnamon stick in hot chocolate, or even burning a little in a vaporiser to scent the room.

Cocoa – the emperor Montezuma used to drink chocolate before entering his harem, which gave rise to the belief that chocolate is an aphrodisiac. Dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) actually contains the stimulants caffeine and theobromine, plus phenyethylamine, which is a mood-elevator. Some researchers say that the chemicals in chocolate stimulate the production of endorphins – feel-good chemicals found in high levels in new lovers. So finish off your meal with some good dark chocolate…

Garlic's aphrodisiac effect is twofold. Firstly, it improves blood circulation, and secondly scientists have found that it can stimulate the production of an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase, which is responsible for the mechanism of erection. Try making your own wholemeal garlic bread – wholegrains are rich in zinc, which is important for healthy sperm production.

Ginger – this is one of the oldest medicinal spices in the world; its allegedly increases the blood flow to your genitals and therefore acts as an aphrodisiac. Try it in a spicy dish served with saffron rice. It can also be used as part of an aromatherapy blend for massage or a room scent.

Saffron – this is the most expensive spice in the world. In Ayurvedic medicine, saffron is used to help treat infertility; it’s used widely as an aphrodisiac in Asia and the Middle East.

Truffles – truffles are at their best in January and February, and are thought to be aphrodisiac because of their musky scent; they contain substances that mimic pheromones. They’re also a good source of phosphorus, which some experts believe can increase sex drive and responsiveness.