Enhancing sexual powers and heightening sensual love are the 'aphrodisiacs'-named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sexual love and beauty. Some foods were venerated as aphrodisiacs due to their mysterious or alluring qualities. It was believed that Cleopatra would drink a concoction of powdered pearls with milk to keep her sexuality.

No wonder then she managed to keep both the ageing Julius Caesar and the young, passionate mark Anthony pining for her at the same time!

Slimy sea foods
Going by the legend, Aphrodite was said to have been born from the sea, which explains why certain sea foods like oysters, scallop, and turtle eggs have acquired a reputation as aphrodisiacs. But, the authentic reason could be that seafood contains zinc and proteins which help build the overall stamina.

Creamy chocolates
Once a rare delicacy, expensive and not easily available, chocolates have always been a favourite gift of lovers. Chocolates seem to contain a particular chemical substance that accumulates in the pleasure centres of the brain. This effect, according to the doctors, occurs during sex.

Smelly garlic
The 'heat' in garlic is said to stir sexual desires.  Make sure you and your partner share it together.  Garlic has been used for centuries to cure everything from the common cold to heart ailments. This is a good time for moderation. Enjoy pasta with a lightly garlicky sauce and it and lead up to something spicy in the bedroom later.

Nutty nuts
A symbol of fertility throughout the ages, an almond's aroma is thought to induce passion in a female. Try serving Marzipan (almond paste) in the shapes of fruits for a special after-dinner treat. Zinc is a key mineral necessary to maintain male potency and pine nuts are rich in zinc. 

Vanilla and wine
The scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust. Fill tall Champagne glasses to the rim and add a vanilla bean for a heady, bubbly treat. Similarly, a glass or two of wine can greatly enhance a romantic interlude. 
Wine relaxes and helps to stimulate the erotic experience. Let your eyes feast on the colour of the liquid.  

Truffles
The Greeks and the Romans considered the rare Truffle to be an aphrodisiac.  The musky scent is said to stimulate and sensitize the skin to touch.

Roses
Roses are by far the most popular flower given to lovers. Roses have been used for centuries in love potions and the petals are edible. (Just make sure those you eat are grown without chemicals.) Sprinkle petals in a salad or spike vanilla ice cream with a few drops of rose water which is available in Middle Eastern and Indian markets.

Spanish fly
This is probably the most famous supposed aphrodisiacs. It is not a type of a fly but a variety of beetle found in the Mediterranean region of Europe. The dried beetles are ground into a fine powder which when consumed can literally be deadly! But Spanish Fly is also toxic and can actually be dangerous. 

Well, whether aphrodisiacs work or not are debatable. According to renowned sex expert Dr Ruth, "the most important sex organ lies between the ears." The human mind can be ultimate turn on for good sex, with a little bit of help from the human body. And when it comes to heart, the only aphrodisiac in this world is love.