The sight of her face together with the maddening fragrance of food, evoked an emotion of wild tenderness and hunger in him which was unutterable. Thomas Wolfe, April, Late April Many of us do not realize the sexual nature of food. Yet food and sex have tied together throughout human history. They are intertwined from both being a basic human need to the words we use to describe them; hunger, appetite, need, spice, heat The old saying The way to a mans heart is through his stomach. may hold some truth after all. Look at how many first dates and special occasions are centered around a romantic dinner for two. A carefully prepared dinner may be capable of working magic. Throughout history many things, especially foods have been touted as aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are foods, drinks, drugs, scents or any devices that can arouse or stimulate sexual desire. The FDA says there are no known aphrodisiacs, that their small amounts of studies have found no scientific proof that any food, herb, or anything else has any special properties. Yet certain foods have been said to have these properties for thousands of years throughout many cultures. Some food were identified in ancient Greece others by the Aztecs. Some foods were believed to have sexual powers because they resembled human genitalia. We now know that many foods that are considered to be aphrodisiacs are rich in vitamins and minerals which can increase overall health therefore improving sexual function. The best way to use food to stimulate is to set your table with love in mind. Great cooks say the best food is made with love. Captivate your loved one with sensual foods and flavors that can be savored. Select foods that of varying textures and tastes. To enhance the attraction select foods that can be finger fed to each other. Increase the sensual experience even more by having a romantic picnic in a secluded area. When you are done with the food a blanket is already laid out for other pursuits. Here are some foods that have been known to be aphrodisiacs: Vegetables carrots cucumbers onions asparagus artichokes radishes celery tomatoes parsnips truffles mushrooms cabbage potatoes Fruits mangoes pomegranates peaches strawberries avocados guavas passion fruit persimmon dates figs bananas Nuts pine nuts pistachios coconuts chestnuts walnuts almonds Herbs and Spices cinnamon basil pepper cardamom cloves chilies ginger rosemary vanilla saffron fennel nutmeg mint sage thyme cayenne