An aphrodisiac is a substance which is used in the belief that it increases sexual desire. The name comes from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of sensuality. Throughout history, many foods, drinks, and behaviors have had a reputation for making sex more attainable and/or pleasurable.
Definition from thefreedictionary.com
In ancient times a distinction was made between a substance that increased fertility versus one that simply increased sex drive. Consumption was less about the type of food and more about simple nutrition. Undernourishment creates a loss of libido as well as reduces fertility rates.
Substances that “by nature” represent “seed or semen” such as bulbs, eggs, snails” were considered inherently to have sexual powers. Other types of foods were considered stimulating by their “physical resemblance to genitalia” Other foods deemed to have these aphrodisiac qualities were derived from mythology. Aphrodite was said to consider “sparrows” sacred because of their “amorous nature” and for that reason were included in various aphrodisiac brews. [1]
As everyone agrees the best way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach.
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[1] Source: The Cambridge World History of Food
