Aphrodisiacs have been a part of human culture for years, with legends about libido-boosting foods dating back to the Ancient Greeks (in fact, they're named after the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite). However, the science behind the impact of food on our mood is quite complex. Read on as we take a look at the most common foods labelled as aphrodisiacs in an attempt to separate fact from fiction.

Foods affect men and women differently, so the impact of aphrodisiacs is a subject for debate. Ultimately, scientists agree that there may be a placebo effect at play, and taking the time to have a romantic dinner can be just as sensual as a serving of chocolate-covered strawberries. However, there is proof that certain foods are more likely to get you in the mood. Meanwhile, other foods have been proven to be anaphrodisiacs, which have the very opposite effect.

Oysters have been documented throughout history as having aphrodisiac properties; even legendary lover Giacomo Casanova, immortalised in a 2005 film starring Heath Ledger, was known for eating oysters for breakfast. However, scientists haven't been able to prove for sure that the molluscs have an effect on our libido – though oysters do contain high levels of zinc, which is necessary for producing testosterone.

As our tongues detect the heat in chillies, they send a warning to our brains, which releases a rush of adrenaline. That rush triggers endorphins and gets our hearts beating faster, which is key for better blood flow down there. So, while it's not certain that chillies are a failsafe libido-stoker, it doesn't hurt to give them a try (unless you forget to wash your hands immediately after handling them, of course!). 

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Chocolate's reputation as an aphrodisiac dates all the way back to the Aztec civilisation – and it's one of the reasons why every Valentine’s Day, nearly £330 million ($400m) worth of chocolate is sold around the world. Studies on its actual impact on libido are limited, though chocolate does pack a cocktail of feel-good hormones: oxytocin (known as the 'cuddle hormone'), theobromine (a mood-boosting, caffeine-like stimulant), and phenethylamine, which is known to cause an adrenaline rush.

Indulgent chocolate recipes, from cakes to cookies

Dipping your asparagus in Hollandaise and eating it seductively may be one way to get things going – but there's evidence to suggest that asparagus really does have aphrodisiac properties. Asparagus contains a cocktail of nutrients that are known to cleanse the urinary tract, increase energy levels and balance excess ammonia, which can cause sexual disinterest.

Avocados are another feel-good green food that just might get us in the mood. The fruits, whose name is believed to derive from the Aztec word for 'testicle', are packed with vitamin E, which encourages the production of hormones known to enhance desire, fertility and attraction. 

Try this luscious truffle guacamole recipe

Ancient Greek mythology states that Aphrodite, the goddess of love, was the one who planted the world's first pomegranate tree – and in India and China, the juicy fruit has long symbolised fertility, making it a popular choice for those looking to boost their libido. Studies have concluded that pomegranate juice increases testosterone levels in men and women, and it's also known to be a powerful antioxidant, key for a healthy sex drive.

A glass of red wine can be a seductive accompaniment to a romantic meal, and there are studies that prove its mood-boosting powers. Red wine contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant that promotes blood circulation, and it's also known to rev up the hypothalamus, the brain's sex drive control centre. Of course, alcohol is known to lower inhibitions when taken in moderation, but to cause an inability to perform if taken in excess. As Shakespeare famously wrote, alcohol “provokes the desire, but it takes away the performance".

Antioxidants play a clear role in any sex-positive diet, and pistachios are a great source of arginine, an antioxidant that's believed to increase blood flow. In fact, a study found that eating 100g (3.5oz) of pistachios every day improved erectile function in men – so it may be a good idea to go nuts with them.

Think parsley is just a useless garnish? There's a study that might surprise you. Parsley was used as a traditional remedy long before it started showing up on restaurant plates – perhaps due to its high levels of apigenin, which is known to enhance testosterone levels. More evidence is needed to confirm the herb's aphrodisiac status, but what we do know is that there’s nothing more off-putting than a tiny piece of parsley sticking to your beloved's tooth when you're leaning in for a kiss (so that's one thing to consider!).

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices in the world because of the intensive labour required to produce it; hand-picking the dried stigmas of crocus flowers is a lengthy process. Not only is it pricey, but it's also thought to be an aphrodisiac. Some studies have concluded that the spice does indeed boost arousal in men and women taking antidepressants.

Try this saffron and rose poached apricot pavlova recipe

When Harry Styles sang Watermelon Sugar, he may inadvertently have been talking about the aphrodisiac properties this thirst-quenching food is said to contain. Watermelons are a good source of citrulline, an amino acid that increases blood flow and promotes arousal both in men and women. Most powerful though is the erotic association we have built around this fruit, which helps to stimulate the imagination...

Yohimbe is a popular dietary supplement made from the bark of a tree found in West and Central Africa. Yohimbe has a long history of being used in traditional West African medicine to improve sexual performance, as it's thought that it can increase blood flow and inhibit receptors that prevent erections. While studies have shown some promise, medical organisations don't recommend taking it as it can cause undesirable side effects.

While there are several theories as to why we call post-wedding holidays 'honeymoons', one of them, possibly from the Victorian era, suggests that newlyweds used to drink honey mead for thirty days after getting married (perhaps in an attempt to keep the nights sweet and mellow). The truth, however, is that there is no evidence that honey produces any aphrodisiac effects at all.

Ginseng is popular in Chinese medicine, and one variety of the herb – red ginseng – is commonly used to boost sexual performance. Some studies have shown that it can aid erectile function, though scientists say more research is needed provide conclusive proof. Red ginseng is normally found in supplements, but it can also be enjoyed in a steaming cup of tea.

We all know doctors are quite fond of the fruit that was once said to originate sin, and you may soon be as well. According to research published in the medical journal General Gynaecology, apple consumption could potentially promote a better sexual quality of life in young women. The improvement has been linked to the presence of phlorizin, a phytoestrogen that is thought to aid sexual function and arousal.

Figs are fruits that evoke sensual feelings due to their shape, moist centre and appealing sweet smell – which is a plus, considering that the power of suggestion is a big part of aphrodisiacs' overall effectiveness. Figs are packed with healthy nutrients like magnesium and antioxidants, which play a role in a happy, healthy sex life. However, so far, studies have been unable to prove that they're anything other than delicious.

Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that's used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat depression and sexual dysfunction. Much like the infamous blue pill, gingko biloba works to relax blood vessels, causing increased blood flow. However, studies on its effectiveness have been inconclusive and inconsistent, and people are advised to be careful when taking it as it can act as a blood thinner.

Considered an adaptogenic herb – a substance that helps regulate our stress levels and improve performance and focus – maca root powder is commonly thought of as an aphrodisiac. It's mostly consumed as a supplement, drunk in tea or used in bread and other baked goods (as is most common in Peru, where the plant is native to). According to scientific studies, maca is known to increase libido, enhance male fertility, lower stress and boost energy, all which are key to a good performance in bed.  

It may not be the most romantic of concoctions (and certainly not a drink to sip on during a romantic date), but according to a study, fresh onion juice is an effective way of increasing testosterone – at least in mice.  We recommend investing in a pair of goggles to protect your eyes before trying to pass any onions through a juicer, or you may be in for a night of sobbing instead of a night of passion.

Historically, foods shaped like sexual organs were assumed to affect the anatomy they resembled, so it comes as no surprise that bananas have a bit of a reputation. What is true is that beyond their phallic shape, bananas are packed with bromelain – an enzyme that's key to testosterone production – as well as potassium and vitamin B6, which directly influence our energy levels.

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