Here are our top 12 suggestions for the greatest  foods of love, passion and romance this Valentine's Day. Is there soemthing special here for you and your loved one to make it a night to rmemeber?

1.    Almonds

Nutrients:  Vitamin E,  Magnesium Nefzawi, the 15^th century Arabic author of 'The Perfumed Garden of Sensual Delight', includes Almonds amongst his list of erotic foods. A mixture of Almonds and honey was recommended to increase sexual stamina.  In Greece, this tradition continues today, where presenting the object of one’s desire with such a dish is an unmistakable erotic message!  Samson too, wooed Delilah with Almonds. In 19^th Century France, Almonds were ground and made into a soup together with egg yolks, cream and chicken broth.  All to increase virility and potency!

2.    Asparagus

Nutrients: Vitamins B6, A and C. Potassium, Thiamin, Folic Acid Well known as an aphrodisiac in the time of Nicholas Culpepper’s, his Complete Herbal (17^th century) states “asparagus stirreth up bodily lust in man and woman”. In 19^th century France it was the custom for a bridegroom to consume large quantities of Asparagus prior to his wedding. It seems that Folic Acid raises histamine production, which is vital for reaching orgasm in both sexes.

3.    Avocados

Nutrients: Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Potassium, Omega-3 fatty acids and Oleic acid Avocados and male sexuality seem to go together.  Particularly as they hang in pairs on the tree and resemble – yes that’s right – certain male sexual appendages!!  They were thought of as so sexy that, having brought them home from their native Mexico, the clergy in Spain banned them!   Packed full of the most wondrous hormone building nutrients it isn’t just the shape that appeals.

4.    Bananas

Nutrients: B Vitamins, Potassium, Magnesium, Bromelain Setting aside their provocative shape, Bananas have a long tradition as a sexually arousing food. The bromelain they contain appears to increase male desire – and performance! In Islam, it is the Banana, not the apple that was the forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden. An aphrodisiac is made from the sap of the Red Banana tree in Central America and the Hindus have long regarded Bananas as a fertility symbol including it in offerings to their gods.

5.    Chillies

Nutrients: Vitamns A, B6, Niacin, Thiamin, C, Capsaicin, Potassium, Manganese, Iron, and Magnesium. Chillies are not only hot and spicy on the tongue; they help spice up your sex life too.  It’s the capsaicin in chillies that increases blood flow to your sex organs and stimulates the release of the endorphins, which make you feel good. So you’ll benefit twice over and have double the enjoyment!

6.    Chocolate

Nutrients:  Anandamide, Theobromine, Magnesium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Chromium, Manganese, Copper, Tryptophan, Serotonin, Antioxidants This “food of the gods”, more than any other, brings happiness to most of us and for good reason.  The natural chemicals in Cacao stimulate us and make us feel good.  Chocolate is packed with anti-oxidants as well as being luscious and sensual to eat.  A welcome gift from any would-be lover.  More about the Health Benefits of Chocolate

7.    Eggs

Nutrients: Vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Iron, Phosphorous, Zinc, Protein, Omega-3 EFA’s Eggs are ancient symbols of fertility and contain vitamins and nutrients to balance hormone levels.  Eaten raw before sex they  increase libido. The sensual experience of little jewels of Salmon roe or even pearls of Caviar bursting in your mouth adds another dimension to a romantic evening!

8.    Figs

Nutrients: Vitamins, A, C, E, B3, B5, B6, Folic Acid, Poly-phenolic flavonoid anti-oxidants, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Zinc Fresh figs, beloved of Cleopatra, are considered reminiscent of female sexual organs in their both their texture and appearance. Figs and fertility go together in many cultures and were considered “more precious than gold” by the ancient Greeks. Fresh figs are especially voluptuous and luscious, delighting the senses.

9.    Oysters

Nutrients: Zinc, Calcium, Selenium, Vitamins a, B12, Omega-3 EFA’s Oysters are known as the classic aphrodisiac (especially for men). Raw oysters are very high in zinc and this increases the production of sperm and testosterone and with these, libido. Casanova is said to have eaten 50 a day! They also contain great nutrients, including Omega-3 EFA’s, to fight depression and the neurotransmitter dopamine for extra zing!

10. Pomegranates

Nutrients: Vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, Calcium, Phosphorus, Punicalagins - potent anti-oxidants This fabulous fruit is well known for increasing your sex drive and with good reason.  When the fruit or juice is consumed before any amorous activity it helps your body produce Nitric Oxide which opens up your blood vessels, increasing blood flow and with it, libido.  Pomegranates contain more anti-oxidants than red wine, green tea or blueberries and these scavenge free radicals and improve sexual function.

11. Red Wine

Nutrients:  Anti-oxidants Red wine is great for your sex life, especially for women! A study at the University of Florence in Italy discovered it increases women’s sexuality in two ways; firstly by increasing desire and secondly by improving lubrication in appropriate areas!  Researchers regarded 1–2 glasses of red wine per day as a moderate amount and they found that women, drinking this, enjoyed better sexual function than others.

12. Watermelon

Nutrients: Vitamin C, antioxidant lycopene, an enzyme citrulline. Citrulline actually comes from the Latin term for Watermelon, Citrullis lanatus. Your body converts this to Arginine which raises your levels of Nitric Oxide, as with Pomegranate. It relaxes your blood vessels and increases blood flow.  Hey presto!