Consuming passion

Adam and Eve started it with that apple, and even in todays lean mean diet culture, food and love are intimately connected. Chilean Writer Isabel Allende admitted recently that she dreamt of a naked Antonio Banderas frolicking in a swimming pool of arroz con leche creamy rice pudding).

With sex, as all else, the mind is intrinsically linked to the body. The same part of the brain, the limbic system, governs both eating and lovemakingl it also controls emotion. But aphrodisiac foods have a physical basis too. Here our panel of experts reveal the best foods to delight the senses, titillate the libido, increase stamina and help fertility.

Oysters, scallops, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts are all rich sourxes of zinc, the essential mineral for male sexuality; also heightens taste and smell.

Eggs offer perfect nutrition. Choose organic is possible. Egg whites enhave sperm production.

Almonds are packed with protein and minerals. Soak in water for 24 hours and eat five a day.

Chocolate is bursting with feel good chemicals, such as stimulant theobromine, plus phenethylamines, which mimic the euphoria of being in love. Rouses libido and helps stamina.

Strawberries and raspberries are rich in vitamin C, other antioxidants and folic acis, which relieves depression.

Figs have a rosy flesh that contains chromium to help balance blood sugar levels.

Grapes are full of fast-acting sugars that hit the bloodstream for a quick energy fix.

Pomegranates are vitamin-packed fruits used in Ayurvedic medicine as a sexual and fertility treatment.

Rhubarb helps to balance a woman's sex hormones.

Rose petals were used for thousands of years for their medicinal and aphrodisiac properties. Eat rose petal jelly,cook with rose water or take Damsak Rose Tincture, from Swiss Herbal Remedies.

Avocados are full of stimulating nutrientrs to boost energy levels and fertility and reduce stress.

Celery contains the male hormone androsterone, which can trigger arousal in women.

Saffron, the Asian crocus sativus variety has been used as a passion enhancer for millennia, possibly due to its high levels of amino acids arginine, essentail for healthy sperm.

Oats encourage the release of testosterone in men to help libido in both partners. Also boost levelsof the antidepressant hormone serotonin.

Ginger, Cardamom and Fenugreek are all important aphrodisiacs in Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger drives blood to the genitalia of both sexes and fenugreek contains an oestrogen like substance to help fading libido in women.

Natural Viagra is the juice of two figs, 225g black grapes and one pawpaw. Top up with pink champagne and sip as an aperitif.

September 10th 2004