The Quick and Dirty Guide to Food Aphrodisiacs

People looking to get lucky on Valentine's Day or any other time of the year inevitably start thinking about aphrodisiacs. While there's no known food or drink that stimulates sexual desire (if there was, wouldn't you be eating more of it already?), we do know that certain foods can trigger chemical reactions in the brain to send a flood of happy hormones through the body, which is just as good. Here are some of the more common and uncommon ones:

Arugula - This spicy plant has always been trendy, as it's been considered an aphrodisiac since the first century A.D. It is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for sex hormone production. It also delivers many minerals and antioxidants that are important to put the body in its sexual prime. A good source of zinc (excellent for promoting good blood flow to the nether regions), as well as other sex-aiding minerals like magnesium and potassium, arugula is also said to help clear the mind, so while it won't raise you or your partner's sexual energy, it might put the two of you in the right mindset for romance - something to consider for the next salad you order or make.

Red wine - Alcohol has always helped people get to a warm place of relaxation. Red wine is good for vascular health; good blood flow means better orgasms; better orgasms mean better sex. And it's not like you weren't going to order some with your Valentine's dinner anyway. Just remember to enjoy in moderation.

Asparagus - Is having your pee smell funny worth a vegetable's aphrodisiac effect?  The Vegetarian Society says yes, recommending three straight days of asparagus nibbling for the best effects. This long, fibrous shaft is full of nutrients needed for healthy hormone production (vitamin E), and compounds found in asparagus (steroid glycosides) have been known for their ability to promote sexual hormones. It is also a source of folate, which is important for female reproductive health and for the health of sperm.

Maple syrup - There's another reason to head to the sugar bush this season. A great source of manganese (which fights free radicals and is essential to the health of the reproductive system), maple syrup is also a source of zinc, another element that aids in the blood flow (it's also important in the prevention of prostate cancer), and can give the body that quick fix of energy at a key moment.

Chilli peppers - Beyoncé has hot sauce in her bag for a reason. Hot peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical that gets the blood pumping to increases circulation and stimulate nerve endings. Just be careful where you're dabbing that stuff, as people have gone to the ER because they got carried away literally spicing things up in the bedroom.

Avocado - The name of this fruit comes from the Spanish word aguacate which ironically comes from the proto-Aztecan word for "testicle" due to the likeness between the fruit and the body part. While this does not mean the word "guacamole" translates to mean "testicle sauce", avocados do contain high levels of vitamin E and potassium which can help in maintaining a high energy level for any activities you care to indulge in.

Oysters - Like all foods of the sea, the oyster's aphrodisiac history can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. They believed Aphrodite, goddess of love, was born of the sea and that all ocean creatures retained some of her powers. Any amorous effect is probably more from the zinc the oysters contain, which is key for testosterone production. With their slightly salty/sweet scent so similar to a potent female pheromone, it's no surprise no less of an authority than Casanova himself allegedly consumed 50 of the bivalves each day to keep his libido up. Please note that there have been recent cases of acute gastrointestinal illness linked to oysters, so be mindful of a few bad hombres out there.

Mangoes - You've always wondered after seeing that "Seinfeld" episode, but there is some basis to the aphrodisiac allure of mango. With its juicy, fleshy texture, and natural sweetness, mangoes are good sources of vitamins A, C, and E, the sex vitamin, the key to virility - it moved for a reason.

Chocolate - Dark chocolate has been shown to cause a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure. It also contains flavonoids, antioxidants similar to those found in green tea and red wine, and phenylethylamine, which releases a hormone that occurs during sexual intercourse. This may explain why a box of chocolates is the standard Valentine's Day gift, no matter how much of a cliche it has become.

Hemp - The aphrodisiac effects of hemp lay more in the area of cannabis and hashish, but hemp seeds are rich in the Omega-3 fatty acids, useful in improving mood, as well as a good source of vitamin E (aka the sex drug). As a friendly reminder, please remember that any other hemp delivery methods you know of may not be legal yet.

Ginkgo Biloba / Ginseng - People have been fascinated by ginkgo biloba and ginseng for centuries, with both claiming improvements in cognitive abilities and libido; it works on both heads if you will. Ginkgo supposedly increases blood flow to the brain as well as to the nether regions, along with increasing dopamine and adrenaline. Along with being phallic, ginseng root is commonly used as a healing agent to treat fatigue, reduce stress, fight infection and cure impotence. Stamina and quick bursts of energy are useful in any horizontal jogging; your results may vary.