The Good Sex Diet

Real Aphrodisiacs

Combining food and sex really is the ultimate indulgence. Just ask George Costanza. And if a pastrami on rye sandwich isn't exactly what you have in mind when it comes to sensual eating, a new study may offer some tips on how to add a little sugar and spice to your sex life.

A Canadian review of 150 international studies found that saffron, the world's most expensive spice, has been shown to enhance sexual performance and satisfaction. Maybe this is why saffron couscous is so tasty! Panax ginseng (or Korean ginseng) may also offer sex benefits by improving erectile functioning in men and arousal frequency in women.

Other spice rack staples like cloves, sage and nutmeg may also enhance sexual stimulation. And though the lab experiments with these threespices with rats have yet to be replicated in humans, I'm now beginning to understand why my local grocery stores always seem to be sold out of sage...and apple pie.

For an oral approach to boosting your libido, you may also want to check out the muira palma plant and the maca root, which apparently help to increase desire in both men and women. The finding that the traditional aphrodisiac Spanish fly (made from blister beetles) can be lethal is a reminder that "all-natural" is not necessarily synonymous with safe or healthy.

If you're looking to have a bit of fun with everyday foods, you may want to play with peppermints for their cool tingly sensation, whipped cream for the sake of its sweet, delicious mess and chocolate -- just because it's chocolate. Sure. It may contain phenylethylamine, which is associated with elevating your mood (blah, blah, blah), but do we really need a scientific explanation for eating more chocolate? I think not.

However you play with food in (or out) of the bedroom, take care to keep that sugary goodness away from the vaginal opening. Let's try to save the yeast for our fresh-baked bread or better yet -- an ice cold beer.

Until next time, have fun, indulge and always practice safer sex.