Certain foods have been used as aphrodisiacs for thousands of years. Some have been proven to work by scientists and others are simply romantic foods to share or are interesting shapes. From the bizarre to the everyday, we look at foods guaranteed to spice up your love life.

A Almonds: The aroma is thought to increase passion in women. Other aphrodisiacs include avocados, aniseed and asparagus.

B Bananas: The phallic shape and potassium and B vitamins help to increase sex hormone production.

C Carrots: Carrots are thought to stimulate males and coffee and coriander also do the same.

D Dark chocolate: Good news, the Aztecs called it nourishment of the Gods' and chocolate contains phenylethalamine, a chemical that is also produced in the brains of people in love.

E Eggs: Eggs have long been signs of fertility and the zinc in eggs such as caviar help male potency.

F Figs: Thought to emulate the female body, the eating of figs has long been deemed an erotic act.

G Garlic: The heat in garlic and ginger is said to stir sexual desires. Make sure you both eat the garlic though!

H Honey: Ancient Egyptian cures for impotence were based on honey and in Medieval times lovers on their honeymoon' drank Mead, which is made from fermented honey.

I Ice: Ice cubes can be used to chill champagne and anything else that needs cooling down.

J Juice: Make a smoothie from your favourite fruits to help increase energy.

K Kale: In ancient Chinese times the kidneys were thought to control sexual desire. Leafy green vegetables help your kidneys function and were considered to be aphrodisiacs.

L Liquorice: Since ancient times the Chinese have used this root for medicinal purposes and it is thought to stimulate lust in women.

M Mustard: This seed is believed to stimulate the sexual glands and increase desire.

N Nutmeg: Highly prized as an aphrodisiac by Chinese women for centuries, this spice produces hallucinogenic effects when eaten in quantity.

O Oysters: Nutritious and full of protein, Romans ate oysters to increase desire and they are often compared to the female body.

P Pine nuts: Pine nuts are rich in zinc, the mineral that maintains male potency. Pineapple is a homeopathic treatment for impotence and rich in vitamin C.

Q Quinoa: This nutritious grain from Peru was prized by Incas for its aphrodisiac properties.

R Raspberry: Raspberries and strawberries are perfect to share and feed to each other.

S Sweet basil: Said to stimulate the sex drive and boost fertility, basil also relaxes your body and mind.

T Truffles: The musky scent of these rare truffles was used by Greeks and Romans to stimulate the skin.

U Udo: This Japanese herb comes from the Ginseng family which is a renowned aphrodisiac.

V Vanilla: The scent and flavour of vanilla is believed to increase lust.

W Wine: A moderate amount relaxes the body and stimulates the senses.

X X-rated: Think of easy to eat finger-food that you can share in bed.

Y Yoghurt: In Greece, it's traditional to serve newlyweds yoghurt with honey and walnuts for prosperity and energy.

Z Zucchini: Courgettes belong to the family of vegetables considered aphrodisiacs due to their suggestive shape.