Throughout history, food has played an important role in the art of seduction, arousal and love-making. Ancient cultures throughout the world believed that certain foods were vital to fertility and even in aiding one's sexual prowess. Many of these beliefs were backed by the simple reasoning that eating foods that resembled, in shape, human reproductive organs could actually be beneficial to one's sexual performance. Modern science, in the fields of health and nutrition, has proven that many of these cultures' beliefs were actually justified, though their reasoning was based purely on coincidence. This Top Five List of Aphrodisiacs takes a look at some of the most well known, and some lesser known, culinary aphrodisiacs and the science behind them.

5. Lavender and Pumpkin Pie
While both of these things are aphrodisiacs on their own, it is actually the combined scent of these two aromas that have been proven to stir the passions. A mid-1990's study by Dr. Alan Hirsch of The Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation proved that this odor combination elicited arousal in men, aged 18-64, more than any other smell.

4. Asparagus
More than just a phallic shape, asparagus contains many vitamins and minerals said to be beneficial to sexual health and performance: potassium, vitamin A and folic acid. Potassium and vitamin A are essential to testosterone production, the hormone known for increasing the male libido but is also believed to increase that of the female as well. Tradition states that asparagus should be eaten for three days in a row in order to experience the full benefits.

3. Blowfish
Long believed by the Japanese to be an aphrodisiac, blowfish is the most dangerous food on this list. It is actually that danger, more than nutritional content, that is believed to be the reason behind this ugly little fish's aphrodisiacal properties. Although licensed chefs take great pains to remove the mortally toxic parts of the fish, they are only human and even the tiniest slip-up during preparation can have deadly results. It is the adrenaline released during this culinary dance with death that is the true aphrodisiac.

2. Honey
What would a list of aphrodisiacs be without the nectar of the Goddess of Love, herself, Aphrodite? For thousands of years, honey has been touted as a potent aphrodisiac and with good reason. Honey is a great source of boron, a mineral known to assist in metabolizing estrogen and believed to increase testosterone levels in the blood. A natural, easily metabolized form of sugar, honey can provide a boost of energy that is beneficial for participating in any number of activities.

1. Oysters
Probably the most well-known aphrodisiac, oysters are also one of the most nutritious foods thought to enhance the libido. Just four or five medium oysters contain the daily recommended allowance of calcium, copper, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc. While all of these promote good health, which in and of itself is conducive to a good, healthy sex life, the most important two are magnesium and zinc. Magnesium can help to relax nerves and muscles, is vital to increasing blood circulation and helps produce the some of the neurotransmitters that modulate sex drive, dopamine and norepinephrine. Zinc is essential for producing testosterone, maintaining healthy levels of testosterone. It also helps maintain sex drive and may help increase and maintain sperm count.

If you want to compound the effects of these 'foods of love,' take your date to a Japanese restaurant, order the blowfish, some oysters, a side of asparagus, and a cup of lavender tea mixed with honey.

Just beware, there is no evidence, empirical or otherwise, as to the safety or efficacy of this potency of the combinations noted.