The hunt has been on for sexy foods throughout history, various foods have been held in the highest regards as aphrodisiacs. Some are suggestive in shape, many have arousing aromas or a sensual mouthfeel. Some raise body temperature and others provide instant energy. But measured of modern science, we learn that in addition to an ability to caress the tongue or lower inhibition, most of these foods are excellent sources of energy vital maintaining sexual hormone levels and/or sparking neurotransmitters that trigger feelings of love or sexual arousal. So, do aphrodisiacs really exist? Read for yourself and you make the call. I have rounded up 10 foods considered sexy for their suggestive shape, texture, or color and found recipes so you can add them to your romantic Valentine’s meal.

SEXY VALENTINE RECIPES COMING THIS WEEK

1)Mint
Mint contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are essential for maintaining sexual health, including A and C as well as a trace of B2. It also contains magnesium, calcium and potassium. But it is likely that much of mint’s aphrodisiac reputation is due to the herb’s ability to calm both mind and body.

Used in combination with other aphrodisiac ingredients, mint is the component credited with increasing appetites of all kinds. Best of all, the aromatic impression it leaves on the breath has been shown in case studies to inspire kissing. A hearty nibble and mint will leave your breath as fresh as a bedtime brushing.

2)OYSTERS

They are, however, a luxurious and healthy treat. The oyster’s slightly salty/sweet scent, a smell not dissimilar to a potent female pheromone, has proven to be sexually stirring. Although the serving of nutrients in a single oyster is negligible, eaten by the dozen, oysters are loaded with zinc, a key nutrient for testosterone production, (important for stimulating libido in both men and women). A lean source of protein, oysters have been credited with keeping men virile well into old age (Casanova supposedly consumed 50 oysters each day to keep his libido in top form).

3)Goji Berries

Goji berries are called “happy berries” in China, where there aphrodisiac powers are held in high regard. In Chinese medicine, goji berries are administered to strengthen the adrenal system, believed to be a center of sexual energy.
Clinical tests have proven goji berries to be helpful in lowering bad cholesterol as well as a potential for treating metabolic syndrome, a precursor to erectile dysfunction.

4)Rocket
Rocket was a popular aphrodisiac among the ancient Romans and ancient Egyptians. It was quite often associated with Priapus, a minor Roman god of fertility.

Rocket is said to help clear the mind and aid digestion. And although neither of these curative properties specifically raises sexual energy, they are both attributes that promote the right mood for romance.

It should be added that this peppery spring and autumn lettuce is rich in vitamins A and C and many minerals that are essential for putting the body in its sexual prime.

6)Cherries

Certain cherries, those with more musky scents, are said to stimulate pheromone production. They also offer a little potassium, essential for producing sexual hormones. Cherries’ antioxidants keep skin radiant and their quercetin content has antihistaminic attributes, a wonderful aid to physical exertion.

7)Asparagus

The secret to asparagus is in more than its shape. This veg is also packed with nutrients needed for healthy hormone production, including a whollop of vitamin E (which is also great for your skin!).

8)Strawberry

A perfect little red heart, the strawberry is an edible Valentine. Touted as an aphrodisiac fruit since the times of ancient Rome, the strawberry was a symbol of Venus.

9)Egg

Because of its association with new life, the egg was considered the ultimate symbol of fertility among almost every ancient nation.
The most opulent of eggs, caviar, was named for the Persian khav-yar, meaning “cake of strength.” The tiny pearls of the sea were originally thought to give the eater a long life. Like all eggs, caviar is rich in protein. But it has the added bonus of a high zinc content, essential for blood flow.

10)Chocolate (Ok would I deprive you of this one on Valentines!)
Remember the darkest possible.
The Mayans used cacao beans to pay for prostitutes in their early version of whorehouses. (The going rate was around eight beans per woman).
From hard bodies to hard-core science, in the late Twentieth Century, Michael Liebowitz of the New York State Psychiatric institute proved that the phenylethylamine (PEA) in chocolate releases the same hormone as does sexual intercourse. Although naysayer object that the amount of PEA in chocolate is too small to produce significant results, this sweet drug offers hundreds of other chemical compounds – in fact, chocolate is among the world’s most complex foods.

As we now know, chocolate contains flavonoids, antioxidants from the same “family” as those touted in green tea and red wine. In fact, studies show that the antioxidant activity in one serving of cocoa is higher than that of either tea or red wine. The darker the chocolate, the more potent antioxidants it contains.