Aphrodisiacs, named after the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite, are sexual stimulants, either by actual scientific means or through the placebo effect, which means it is only in your head. Some aphrodisiacs are only considered so because of their phallic shape, such as bananas. Another stimulant in this category is the rhinoceros horn. The search for this particular aphrodisiac has led poachers to hunt the animal and endanger the species.

One of the most popular and well-known aphrodisiac is probably the oyster. There is some truth to this, as the mollusk is rich in zinc, which is required for the production of testosterone. Asparagus also is a proven aphrodisiac, as it stimulates the production of sex hormones. Spicy foods, as well, are known to cause perspiration and increased heart rate, which are similar to the effects of arousal, and therefore act similarly to an aphrodisiac.

Chocolate, the candy of romance, is also considered by some as an aphrodisiac, but the truth of this is still uncertain. Some say that the mild stimulants in the recipe are similar to endorphins, while others claim that that they have no discernible effect at all. A rumor in the late seventies and early eighties led many to believe that an ingredient in the dye used in green M&M’s contained a sexual stimulant. Alcohol is also a maybe on the list. Though it does cause decreased inhibition, it actually inhibits sexual response.

One particularly dangerous aphrodisiac is called the Spanish fly. It consists of the crushed body of a certain kind of beetle, but the harmful part comes with the response. It irritates the urinary tract, which may seem like arousal but can actually be poisonous and sometimes fatal with continued use.

Science may prove these myths right or wrong, but chances are that the stories will continue to pass down through the generations and remain under the ambiguous heading of “aphrodisiac”.