The Aztecs, to whom we are forever grateful for discovering chocolate, believed it to aid fertility.

Nowadays, we know that it contains substances which mimic the physical effects of being in love. And most delightful of all, chocolate melts at body temperature, thus making it an extremely sensual sweet. As well as allowing it to melt slowly on your tongue, you can do that with other parts of your body - we're sure you don't need any suggestions...

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Long, firm spears with a slightly swollen tip to be slid gently between the lips...

With asparagus, its aphrodisiac reputation is enhanced by its undeniably phallic appearance. Its aphrodisiac powers have been known for some time. In 1652, Nicholas Culpeper wrote in his 'Complete Herbal': 'asparagus stirreth up bodily lust in man and woman'.

This is supported by its vitamin E content, which affects sex hormone production.

And given that it has a short growing season, eating it at any other time of year feels pleasurably self-indulgent.

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Many have compared the look of an oyster to female genitalia. And taste-wise, the slightly sweet, slightly salty tang is apparently reminiscent of female pheromones.

And the science bit? Oysters are rich in zinc, which is linked to sexual performance. More zinc = more zing!

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Eating hot chillies can make us feel hot under the collar: raising the heart rate and circulation, and provoking sweating - all of which are similar to being in a state of physical excitement. Eaten in larger quantities, the capsaicin (the component that makes them hot) can result in irritation of the genitals and urinary tract. A word of warning: always wash your hands after handling chillies and before touching any sensitive parts.

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With figs, the erotic perspective is in the appearance: cut open, a ripe fig is reckoned to resemble female genitalia. Serve for dessert, watch your other half devour it sensuously, and see what comes to mind.

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