Living a healthy life, eating right and exercising regularly should be enough to boost your sex life. However, sometimes you may find you need a little extra kick...

There are specific foods which it's claimed have aphrodisiac properties. Try them to see if you notice any difference to your sex drive...

Cinnamon
Also known as “love dust”, cinnamon is the spice of the goddess of love and sex, Aphrodite. It not only enhances sexual desire, but it has other benefits. It can be used as an insect repellent and breath freshener among other things (handy if you're getting a bit of alfresco action!).

Saffron
It's claimed saffron makes female erogenous zones ultra sensitive to touch - that's worth trying!

Chocolate
The most famous of aphrodisiacs, chocolate contains serotonin and phenethylamine, which may act as mild sexual stimulants.

Celery
It's not only phallic in shape, but celery contains chemicals called pheromones. Pheromones are similar to scents used to attract sexual partners.

Avocados
The word “avocado” is derived from the Aztec word ahucatl, which means testicle. The avocado contains chemicals that
 are capable of enhancing the libido.

Bananas
When cooked, the skin of the banana releases a chemical called bifutenine, which has aphrodisiac properties. It can also help reduce PMT, which in turn can help a woman feel more in the mood.

Tomatoes
Tomatoes were originally thought to be aphrodisiacs because of their rich, red colouring, which is  the colour of passion (not to mention excited body parts!). Interestingly, in 1920-40s America, the word “tomato” was slang for an attractive woman.

Almonds
The Italian symbol of fidelity, almonds are featured at Italian weddings for this reason. In Greece, they symbolise happiness.

Hazelnuts
A symbol of fertility also, these nuts feature in many aphrodisiac recipes.

Oysters
The classic aphrodisiac. Oysters are rich in zinc, which is essential for making the horny hormone, testosterone. Testosterone is found in both men and women and is responsible for sex drive.

• Pine nuts
• Caviar
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Apples
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Onions
• Carrots

• Tranquilizers
• Diuretics
• Blood pressure lowering medications
• Oral contraceptives (can put some women off sex)
• Alcohol (only if you have too much, i.e. more than two standard drinks in one sitting)

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