4. Fig.
Summer’s most sensual fruit is thought by some historians to be the true forbidden fruit that tempted Eve into sin. Its sexy reputation comes in part from appearance—the pink flesh of a ripe fig is said to resemble a woman’s most private parts. But figs are also an excellent source of iron and potassium, two nutrients essential for keeping in peak sexual health.

5. Vanilla.
Vanilla's power is aroma. Before a vanilla-spiked morsel even hits the tongue, the hypothalamus—the gland that controls memory and emotion—jumps into action. Dropped into bath water, vanilla will transform the body into sensuous mind tease.

And ladies, take note: In scientific studies, vanilla has proven most effective on older men. Did anyone say Sugar Daddy?

Amy Reiley, a Le Cordon Bleu Master of Gastronomy awarded by Le Cordon Bleu, is considered the leading American authority on aphrodisiac foods. She is the author of Fork Me, Spoon Me: The Sensual Cookbook, www.forkmespoonme.com. To learn more about Reiley and aphrodisiacs, log onto her website www.lifeofreiley.com.
Photo © Iain Frazer