Aphrodisiacs To Feed Your Valentine

Valentine's Day is upon us, and if you're looking to create a big romantic affair without having to book a reservation months in advance or spend ridiculous amounts of money on a prix fixe menu no one wants to eat, the best way to do it is serve your Valentine some delicious aphrodisiacs.

Almost any vegetable that has even a vaguely phallic shape has been called an aphrodisiac at one point or another in history, but the power of asparagus is backed up by science. Asparagus contains folic acid, which helps both men and women achieve optimal pleasure. Click here for our best asparagus recipes.

As with asparagus, the banana is thought of as an aphrodisiac because of its appearance. Bananas are a natural energy producer and contain bromelain, which sets off the production of testosterone. Click here for our best banana recipes.

Coffee is best known for its stimulant properties, which can help keep the romance going, but it may also put women in the mood. A study published in Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior shows that caffeine increased mojo in female rats. Click here for some other benefits of drinking coffee.

Splurge for the big box of (dark) chocolate this year. Dark chocolate, in moderation, seems to be a cure for just about everything and may even help you live longer. Dark chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, which is known for improving mood and energy and may make women feel sexier. Click here for our best chocolate recipes.

Disregard your fears of garlic breath and load up on the pungent aromatic this Valentine's Day. Garlic improves circulation throughout the body and releases nitric oxide, a natural arousal booster. Click here for our best garlic recipes.

Raw honey contains zinc and vitamins B and E, which are all linked to a boost in the bedroom. Click here for our best honey recipes.

The warming sensation that makes your eyes water from eating spicy mustard also gets you in the mood — these warming sensations release super happy endorphins. This spice became so well known as an aphrodisiac throughout the Middle Ages, that it was banned from monasteries. Click here for our best mustard recipes.

One of the best-known aphrodisiacs, oysters contain zinc, which can increase testosterone, and therefore sex drive. Click here for our best oyster recipes.

Make pesto and go heavy on the pine nuts this Valentine's Day. Pine nuts are an excellent source of zinc, which is linked to a healthy libido. Click here for our best pine nut recipes.

Packed with vitamin C, strawberries enhance blood flow, which leads to all types of good feelings. Now the traditional chocolate-covered strawberries make a whole lot more sense. Click here for our best strawberry recipes.