TOP 10 ROMANTIC FOODS

1. ASPARAGUS

Our love affair with this member of the Lily family dates back hundreds of years. Asparagus "stirs up lust in man and woman," wrote English herbalist Nicholas Culpepper in the 17th century. In 19th-century France, bridegrooms were served three courses of the sexy spears at their prenuptial dinner. Apparently for a good reason: asparagus is a great source of potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, vitamins A and C, and thiamin and folic acid. The latter is said to boost histamine production necessary for the ability to reach orgasm in both sexes.

2. ALMONDS

Almonds were regarded as fertility symbols throughout antiquity. The aroma of almond supposedly arouses passion in females — or so thought the poets and scribes. Alexandre Dumas dined on almond soup every night before meeting his mistress, and Samson wooed Delilah with these tasty nuts. Almonds provide high doses of vitamin E, magnesium and even fiber to improve your general well-being.

3. AVOCADO

Avocados are voluptuous and feminine in shape, but they have also been associated with male sexuality. The Aztecs called the avocado tree "Ahuacuatl," or "testicle tree." The ancients thought the fruit hanging in pairs on the tree resembled the male's testicles. The Spanish, in fact, found avocados so obscenely sexy, that Catholic priests forbade them to their parishioners. The creamy fruit is especially good for pregnant women due to its high content of folic acid, as well as vitamin B6 and potassium. They are also said to boost immune function.

4. BANANA

This shapely and nutritious fruit is a complete meal, loaded with potassium, magnesium and B vitamins. It also contains chelating minerals and the bromelain enzyme, said to enhance the male libido — maybe that’s why Central Americans drink the sap of the red banana as an aphrodisiac, while Hindus regard it as a symbol of fertility. A banana left on a doorstep indicates that a marriage is about to take place. Bananas made an early appearance in the Garden of Eden; according to Islamic myth, Adam and Eve covered themselves not with fig but banana leaves.

5. BASIL

This fragrant member of the mint family has an alluring aroma; so alluring, in fact, it can cure headaches. Hint, hint. All kinds of headaches! No wonder the Greeks regarded it as their royal herb. Its botanical name is derived from the Greek "to be fragrant." Basil has a warming effect on the body and promotes circulation. In some parts of Italy, basil is a love-token.

6. CHOCOLATE

Why does eating chocolate make us so happy? It's a chemical thing. The "food of the gods" contains theobromine, a stimulating alkaloid similar to caffeine. Chocolate also helps the brain produce feel-good serotonin. Be sure to indulge in the dark variety — it contains incredible amounts of antioxidants, whereas milk chocolate is just that: milk and sugar with trace amounts of cocoa.

7. EGG

The egg is one of the most ancient fertility symbols. Eggs are high in B6 and B5, which help you balance hormone levels and fight stress. Raw chicken eggs eaten before sex are considered to enhance one’s libido. But we’re talking eggs of all sorts, fish or fowl. Think of the way caviar gently bursts in your mouth or the delicacy of little darling quail eggs.

8. FIGS

Said to be Cleopatra's favorite food, the sweet, purple fruits are sexy in both appearance and texture. For obvious reasons, they've been a synonym in erotic literature for female sexual organs. To the ancient Greeks, they were "more precious than gold" and many cultures associated figs with fertility.

9. FOIE GRAS

One of the most luxurious foods, controversial foie gras is expensive, decadent and sought the world over. Like diamonds, furs and Champagne, it is associated with fine living, and both its buttery texture and mythical status are sure to put you in a sexy mood. See what Gayot readers have to say about foie gras.

10. OYSTERS

These mouthwatering mollusks are the classic aphrodisiac. And, there's research to support it: raw oysters are very high in zinc, which raises sperm and testosterone production, thus increasing libido. Like some fish, oysters contain omega-3 fatty acids, considered to increase one's overall well-being and even fight depression. They are also a source of dopamine. No wonder Casanova ate 50 raw oysters every day.

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