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Speaking Point: According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is no such thing as an aphrodisiac-or a substance which increases our carnal cravings . The name aphrodisiac comes from the word Aphrodite...who was the Greek goddess of love and sensuality. In spite of the FDA's pooh pooh position, ancient wisdom tells us that many foods, scents and spices have the potential to increase unholy yearnings.

Speaking Point: Research has shown that a multitude of foods can affect our senses and trigger both erotic and sexual notions. We eat with our senses-eyes first. Thus, the image of certain foods are enough to kick our sex drive into gear. A few foods simulating the male genitialia are asparagus, bananas and carrots. For the opposite sex, foods mirroring a female's genitialia are figs and oysters.

Speaking Point: We also experience foods, perfumes and a skin's scents with our olfactory senses or by smelling them. Some of these erotic scents can awaken our moods....for doing you know:) The scents of almonds, truffles and vanilla are three examples of foods and extracts which affect our erotic desires.

Speaking Point: It is not only the image of certain foods which may arouses us, but they also contain vitamins and minerals which rev up our motors to do it. For instance, avocados contain beta carotene, magnesium and Vitamin E (sometimes referred to as the Sex Vitamin) which are all nutrients essential for our sexual health. Avocados also contain more potassium than bananas....which is good for fluid balance, protein synthesis, nerve conduction, energy production, muscle contraction, synthesis of nucleic acids and the control of our heartbeat. In many of its roles, potassium is opposed by sodium, and the two positive ions are balanced by the negative ion, chloride.

Speaking Point: Chocolate's myth as an aphrodisiac is carved deeply into the history of Western Civilization. The Mayans used cacao beans to pay prostitutes; the going rate was eight beans per woman. Research shows that the phenylethylamine (PEA) in chocolate releases the same hormone as does sexual intercourse. Eating chocolate also produces natural opiates in the brain-making us "feel good and sedated." Ginger, an Eastern flavoring, has been used for centuries as an aide for digestion. But, it also has been classified as a natural aphrodisiac, because of its ability to increase circulation and sensitize our erogenous zones. French legends tell of Madame du Barry often serving her lovers ginger in order to bring them to ecstatic states of submissiveness.

Speaking Point: Asian medicine has used Ginseng for centuries; it resembles an erect penis in its natural state. Authentic ginger root comes from the genius Panax, and is often used for treating fatigue, reducing stress and fighting infection. A Chinese study has confirmed that Ginseng is effective for treating impotence. Another winner- caviar stimulates the formation of testosterone, a macho male sex hormone, because it is high in zinc.

Speaking Point: Oysters are considered to be the most suggestive culinary symbol of passion and seduction. There is a belief that the link between sex, seduction and oysters lays in the act of lovers slurping the slippery bivalves from their shells. Also, oysters have a salty, sweet scent similar to a potent female pheromone-which can signal marching orders for a man and woman to hook up-so to speak. A dozen oysters contains significant zinc-which an important nutrient for testosterone production-and key for stimulating libido in men.

Speaking Point: Tuna is rich in calcium and B Vitamins which are important for maintaining sexual health. This fish also contains Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids which lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and stimulate the production of sex hormones. In Japan, tuna is often served raw as sashimi, a well know Japanese aphrodisiac. A British study in 2000 discovered that blending fish oil from tuna and Vitamin E made male pigs friskier-and then they were used as studs. The plan to develop this concoction for humans was abandoned, because of a disturbing side effect. The product enlarged pigs' testicles by 20 percent!

Speaking Point: It is suggested that spicy foods, such as Mexican, Thai and Mandarin Chinese cuisines, trigger responses in the body similar to making love. For instance, ingesting Chile peppers makes you sweat, feel flushed and can actually increase your heart rate. These reactions are thought somehow be linked to our sex drive. Eating raw garlic can also have a similar result.

Speaking Point: Ladies, should all of the above love foods fail for you, remember writer Fanny Fern's advice and quote from the 1800s: The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. And for you hot and bothered men....these "aphrodisiacs" are flawless; remember that, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," from a song introduced by Carol Channing in the original Broadway production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes in 1949.