The human sexual response is incredibly complex and is influenced by many elements including psychological, physical and environmental factors. Aphrodisiacs have been promoted to increase libido and sexual performance for over 5000 years. The term Aphrodisiac is named after the Greek Goddess of love and beauty Aphrodite and has over time included many and varied foods, drugs, drinks, scents and devices.

Chilies and Spicy Foods have been thought to be an aphrodisiac since it produced sweating and increased heart rate similar to that experienced during sex. Other items such as Ginseng (which translates to "Man root"), Oysters and Rhinoceros horn have earned a reputation as Aphrodisiacs primarily due to their physical resemblance to the external genitalia. However, given the complexity of the sexual response it is unlikely that any one element will work in all circumstances or work at all. The multitude of spurious claims made by promoters of so called aphrodisiacs prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a declaration in 1989 that there was no scientific evidence that any of the over the counter aphrodisiacs work to cure sexual dysfunction.

While there may be no magic potion that will cure all forms of sexual dysfunction there are many commonsense dietary rules that could impact positively on libido and sexual performance.

It is an almost a self-evident fact that a diet that promotes general health and well being will also promote sexual health and sexual performance. Anyone who has suffered a simple ailment such as the common cold will testify that libido and sexual desire are the first casualties of a lack of general well being. It's extremely hard to feel "sexy" or sexually aroused when other bodily functions are not at par. Blood flow to sexual organs is an integral part of the arousal process in both males and females. As a result a diet that promotes heart and circulatory health will almost inevitably improve sexual performance.

Obesity is another killer of libido and sexual performance. It impacts in many ways. Firstly, obesity is often associated with plaque build up in arteries that affect circulation of blood through the body including the genitalia. This not only decreases sexual performance but may also reduce sexual pleasure. Secondly obesity is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels. Studies at the University of Columbia Medical School have shown that weight reduction can lead to increased levels of testosterone and consequently improved sexual performance. On the other hand too little fat in the diet may not be a good thing either. Some fat is required for the production of hormones. Hence it is important to strike a sensible balance.

There are also certain other specific foods that are credited with an improved sex life while others are to be discouraged.