For thousands of years, people have been using aphrodisiacs — herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables— to enhance their sex lives. But how effective really are these stimulants at increasing desire, drive, and performance?

There is little scientific evidence that many rumoured aphrodisiacs have any effect on libido whatsoever, but still millions of people claim that certain foods put them in the mood. In fact, many of the foods thought to be aphrodisiacs are part of a diet that contributes to healthy blood circulation, can help balance hormones, and enhance vitality, which are all necessary to increase libido. A food’s scent, texture, shape, and colour might also trigger arousal—bearing in mind that the brain is, after all, a sexual organ.

Here are five legendary, edible “aphrodisiacs” that are safe (and healthy!) for you and your partner to enjoy this Valentine’s Day…

Oysters

Oysters have been considered a natural aphrodisiac for hundreds of years, and are widely used to hopefully increase sex drive and desire. In fact, the 18th-century Italian author Giacomo Casanova reportedly ate large amounts of oysters for breakfast each day due to their stimulating properties, and we all know the reputation he had! Some say it’s because they’re high in zinc, an essential micronutrient for the production of testosterone, while others say it’s because they resemble a woman’s vulva. Either way, oysters are among the world’s oldest reputed aphrodisiacs. Try some fresh oysters on the half shell with a squirt of lemon and some spicy sauce, and see where the night takes you.

Dark chocolate

In ancient Mesoamerica, the Maya and Aztecs believed cacao was the food of the gods and used it in rituals for its purported connection to blood rites. The Aztecs may have also been the first on record to establish chocolate as an aphrodisiac, linking it with sexual power and enhanced libido. Full of disease-fighting antioxidants, chocolate is now considered a superfood with potential health benefits. But through the ages, it’s been linked to love and romance thanks to its effect on neurotransmitters and endorphins (the “feel good” chemicals) in the brain. Try to choose dark chocolate with at least 60 per cent cacao, and be careful not to overdo it!

Chillies

If you like it hot in the bedroom, then chilli peppers might be your best bet for heating things up. Chillies contain capsaicin, a compound that makes the peppers spicy. Capsaicin will also raise your heartbeat, cause you to perspire, and release endorphins that may trigger feelings similar to those experienced during sexual arousal. Chilli peppers are also extremely good for you too — they contain antioxidants, flavonoids, and double the amount of vitamin C found in citrus fruits – so adding a little extra heat to your life is never a bad thing.

Ginseng

Emperor Shen-Nung, known as the father of Chinese medicine, purportedly used ginseng as an aphrodisiac to stimulate sexual appetite and manage erectile dysfunction. Although scientifically disputed by some, ginseng is still included in many herbal tonics for low sex drive, so perhaps he was onto something. Rather than affecting hormones, because of its ginsenoside components, ginseng affects the central nervous system and gonadal tissues directly and can help in the vasodilatation and relaxation process. A study also found that ginseng, through releasing nitric oxide, just may increase libido and performance.

Avocados

The avocado has long been considered an aphrodisiac and is now a staple in diets all over the world. Its ancient Aztec name, ahuacatl, actually means “testicle,” and the fruit was originally associated with fertility. Avocados contain vitamin E, which has been shown to support fertility in men and women, and they are also considered to be a superfood because they are high in antioxidants, fibre, and monounsaturated fat. This “good” fat has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. So even if an avocado doesn’t do anything for your life between the sheets with your beloved, it’ll still be great for your health!