Aphrodisiacs: Love Potions or Poison?

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Think you know what foods turn someone on? Do you keep a pantry full of love potions and shop from a list of foods for sex that are "guaranteed" to work? Check out our list of alleged natural sex aphrodisiacs and see if you can tell the love potions from the love poisons.

Asparagus
Many foods thought to be aphrodisiacs were considered so because of their phallic shape. Asparagus however, has more than suggestive form. It is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones and may be essential for a healthy sex life.

Chili Peppers
A pepper's heat comes from "capsaicin," a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings, raising our pulse and making us sweat. Some researchers believe that eating hot foods also triggers the release of endorphins, body chemicals that gives us a natural high that is conducive to love-making.

Chocolate
In addition to the sensuous texture of melted chocolate, this quintessential lovers' gift contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine, considered by some researchers as the "love chemical" as it gives you a feeling of well-being and excitement that is very similar to the endorphins giving us a natural high.

Damiana
Damiana, or wild yam, has a traditional use as an aphrodisiac and chemical analysis shows that it contains chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals. Damiana also has a reputation for inducing erotic dreams, when drunk at bedtime, although it has not been proven in clinical trials.

Ginkgo
Ginkgo is commonly used for age-related memory loss, but some have had success using it to treat sexual dysfunction; possibly by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, widening blood vessels of the genitals and erectile tissue. Ginkgo shouldn't be taken with blood-thinning drugs or by people with heart disease.

Oysters
Oysters are a favorite among erotic foods and research now shows this shellfish to be a rich source of zinc — a mineral required for the production of testosterone. Not only the hormone behind the male sex drive, testosterone is believed to stimulate the female libido as well.

Spanish Fly
One of the most notorious of the modern love potions, Spanish Fly is actually quite dangerous. Made from the dried body of a special beetle, it irritates the urinary tract, sending a rush of blood to the genitals. However, it is also a poison, illegal in the United States.

Yohimbine
Yohimbine, extracted from Yohimbine bark, can facilitate erections by stimulating the nervous system and increasing blood flow to the penis. But it is not for everyone. Common side effects include increased heart rate, raised blood pressure, anxiety and nausea. Available by prescription, Yohimbine should be used under a doctor's supervision.