Foods for love

The buzz at this time of year is about love, and you should use whatever elements at your disposal to make your St Valentine's Day special.

History has shown that the human pursuit of aphrodisiacs is still alive today. Aphrodisiacs, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, work through the aromas which cause a greater effect on the body than the actual ingestion of food. Love foods are readily available and have come through the ages. They can be eaten at any time as part of a romantic meal.

EAT ME!

Touch me

You know you want to

Feel how smooth my skin is

Crisp

Juicy

Sweet

I'm all these things ... and more

Sink your teeth into me

And make my juices flow

What are you waiting for?

You know I am good for you

Do it!

You know you want to

Eat me ...

Apple speaking ...

- Grace and Sonia Bailey

Alcohol: Supplies energy and lowers inhibitions and increases confidence. But excessive amounts can be a sedative and dampen your romantic plan.

Ripe banana: its shape is suggestive enough to excite, and its creamy, lush texture lends itself to being a sex aid. It contains the enzyme bromelain, which enhances male performance. bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins, necessities for sex-hormone production.

Caviar: is high in zinc and stimulates formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.

Champagne: as the 'drink of love', moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.

Chocolate: a popular item, it contains the chemical phenylethylamine, which relaxes and lowers inhibitions and is a stimulant to increase activity and the desire for physical contact. During the 17th century, members of religious orders were banned from eating chocolate, as it could lead to arousal in the body which they could not handle in the Church.

Garlic: one of the most used aphrodisiacs in Europe and among the Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Japanese, garlic was a popular ancient aphrodisiac remedy. It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, aiding digestion, and increases blood flow. The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires.

Ginger: relaxes the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines. It is also a stimulant and can spice up food and drink.

Ginseng: increases sexual desire.

Honey: known to boost libido.

Spices: like almond and vanilla, works like a pheromone to stimulate emotions by smell.

Oysters: rich in zinc which helps with the production of seminal fluids. Inadequate intake of zinc can lead to impotence and lack of ovulation in women.

Peanuts: rich in folic acid which is important to histamine production, which is said to help men and women to have better orgasms during sex.

Radish: considered a divine aphrodisiac by Egyptian pharaohs, most likely because its spicy taste stimulated the palate.

Strawberries: by their shape and taste, strawberries are considered an aphrodisiac, more so when they are dipped in chocolate. [About.com]

Manish water: a Jamaican favourite, this soup made from goat entrails, head and feet, is touted to boost male sexual prowess.

Banana Flambé

This will light your fire in every way!

2 ripe bananas

3tbs brown sugar

Juice of 1 lime

3oz red rum

Method

1. Cut the bananas in halves and place them on a glass dish and drizzle over with half of the lime juice.

2. Sprinkle the sugar on top, stir and allow to sit for two hours.

3. Pour rum over it and set bananas alight.

4. Serve with vanilla or your favourite ice cream.