Reader’s Digest brings us this list of proven aphrodisiacs! Valentine’s Day dinner, anyone?

“Oysters

One of the most notorious aphrodisiacs, oysters are high in  zinc and have a reputation for being great for love and fertility. Researchers  recently found that oysters contain amino acids that trigger production of  sex hormones.

Chili Peppers

This invigorating spice has an exotic reputation and a bright  red color, which could be why it’s considered a symbol of love. But there’s  scientific backing, too. Chili peppers stimulate endorphins (the brain’s feel  good chemicals), speed up heart rate and make you sweat, which all mimic how you  feel when you’re aroused, Dr. Meryl S. Rosofsky told  the New York Times.

Avocado

It could be the sensuous pear shape, or the rich flavor of  the fruit that gave avocado its aphrodisiac reputation as far back as the  Aztecs. And while the jury is still out on just how lust-ful avocados are,  Barbara Klein, professor of food and nutrition at the University of Illinois, told  the California Avocado Commission that the fruit’s high levels of vitamin E  could help keep the spark alive because of its role in maintaining “youthful  vigor and energy level.”

Chocolate

Chocolate is sensual, from its taste to its aroma, but dark  chocolate has also been shown to cause  a spike in dopamine, which induces feelings of pleasure.

Bananas

With its phallic shape, bananas already look like a  feel-good food; but they also contain bromelain, an enzyme which Dr.  Oz says triggers testosterone production, and the fruit’s potassium and  vitamin B elevate energy levels.

Honey

Honey is made through pollination and is a symbol of  procreation. Birds and bees ring a bell? In fact, the word ‘honeymoon’ got its  name from mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey given to the happy new  bride and groom. It also contains boron,  which helps regulate  estrogen and testosterone levels and provides a natural  energy boost.

Coffee

The caffeine in coffee is a  stimulant that ups the heart rate and makes the blood flow. One  study conducted with female rats and published in the journal  Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior suggested that coffee  could put women in the mood for sex.

Watermelon

According to sciencedaily.com, this ‘lycopene king’ may have a Viagra-like  effect on the body, as it relaxes blood vessels and improves circulation.

Pine Nuts

High in energizing zinc, which has been linked to  a healthy sex drive, pine nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs because of  the effort required to procure these oily gems from pine cones. Make a pesto  with pine nuts, basil and olive oil, which The  Doctors say also helps performance down there.”

Pomegranate

These bright gems enclosed in a thick rose husk are filled  with antioxidants which support  blood flow. One study by The  Male Clinic in California found that pomegranate juice had a positive effect  on erectile dysfunction.