Fire, Starter

Back when traditional antidotes were the order of the day, aphrodisiacs were considered a remedy for sexual problems like performance anxiety and low fertility. Now the idea has more to do with passion and romance than with performance.

But, why food?
According to one stream of experts, the connection between libido and food has its origins in nutrition, and the idea of aphrodisiacal foods came about at a time when food wasn8217;t readily available. Undernourishment causes loss of libido and reduces fertility.

So substances that represent seed or sperm, such as bulbs and eggs, were thought to have inherent sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulants because of their physical resemblance to genitalia. Both, somehow, increased sex drive.

The scientific version.
8216;8216;There is no scientific study that proves such foods increase libido. Besides, sex is not about a single nerve of a body part that a particular food can act on,8217;8217; says Sharma. 8216;8216;It is all in the mind. How the foods act is a mind game.8217;8217;

The love list.
According to Sharma, the following foods may get you started:
Aniseed A very popular aphrodisiac that has many culinary uses. It8217;s been used as an aphrodisiac since the times of the Greeks and Romans; both groups believed aniseed had special powers. Sucking on the seeds is said to increase desire.

Asparagus It8217;s in the looks. Given it8217;s phallic shape, asparagus is frequently enjoyed as an aphrodisiac. To make the best of them, have either boiled or steamed.

Almond A symbol of fertility through the ages. The aroma is thought to induce passion in women. Serve almond paste with fruits as a special dinner treat.

Banana Again, it8217;s about the shape8212;both the phallic contours of the flower and the fruit. From a practical standpoint, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, essential for the production of sex hormones.

Basil Sweet basil is said to stimulate sex drive and boost fertility.

Berries The colour does the trick. Both are high in Vitamin C and make a sweet light dessert.

Chocolate A bedroom favourite for centuries. It contains chemicals that affect neurotransmitters in the brain and a substance related to caffeine called theobromine. Chocolate also has more antioxidants cancer preventing enzymes than red wine. The secret to igniting passion is a combination of the two.

Coffee Caffeine is a well-known stimulant but, remember, too much and it becomes a depressant. Serve with chocolate to stimulate both body and mind.

Figs An open fig, because of its supposed resemblance to female sex organs, is considered another stimulant.

Garlic The 8216;heat8217; in garlic is thought to stir sexual desires; make sure the two of you share it. Just remember, don8217;t have it raw or you might get the opposite effect.

Ginger Ginger root, raw, cooked or crystallized, stimulates the circulatory system. Perhaps a stir-fry with freshly grated ginger will stir up something spicy in the bedroom.

Honey In ancient Egypt, many medicines, including cures for sterility and impotence, were honey-based.

VANILLA The scent and flavour of vanilla is thought to increase lust.

Wine No romantic dinner is complete without a stem of wine. It relaxes and stimulates the senses. Be moderate, or you might not be up for the second part of the evening.