Can chocolate, oysters or red wine really put you in the mood? Nutritionist Peggy Kotsopoulos sets the record straight on some well-known aphrodisiacs in this tantalizing true/false quiz.
True. Oysters may just be the most famous of the aphrodisiacs. In fact, Casanova himself ate them by the dozens. The secret to their libido-boosting power is zinc, which is essential for testosterone and sperm production.
True. And not just because of its phallic appearance. Asparagus is high in niacin, which helps to dilate blood vessels, increasing flow to the sexual organs. It's also packed with vitamin E, which increases energy and stamina.
True and false. In moderation (a glass for women and two for men), red wine has the ability to reduce inhibitions and increase arousal. Too much, on the other hand, can impede sexual function and the ability to orgasm in both men and women.
True. Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which improves blood flow to sexual organs by increasing nitric oxide. Viagra actually works in a very similar way.
False. Although mint is well-known for its medicinal properties in terms of digestion and immunity, it can actually hamper testosterone production, which is important to both the male and female libido.
True. But it's the smell not the taste that has been shown to increase the blood flow to the penis by a whopping 40%! In fact, the smell of many foods, including cheese pizza and popcorn, have been found to arouse men.
True and false. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of love. That said, chocolate is believed to be digested too quickly for the effects of the phenylethylamine to take effect.