I am sure you are going to see this a few times in the next couple of days, but it is Valentines Day so here it is again from the

Supermarket Guru:

The word aphrodisiac actually comes from the name Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and although medical science has never substantiated claims that certain foods actually kindle desire – in fact, a recent Italian study suggests that the aphrodisiac potential of chocolate is purely psychological – belief in the power of aphrodisiac foods dates back to ancient times.

Martha Hopkins, co-author of The New InterCourses: An Aphrodisiac Cookbook, says that historically speaking, items that were perceived as rare or hard to find – like coffee and chocolate, as well as items that resembled specific body parts – like asparagus or oysters, were considered aphrodisiacs. These days, the criterion for what is considered an aphrodisiac food is somewhat different.

"There isn't much today that feels rare or is hard to find. Today, we look at the innate sexuality of the food itself, choosing foods that tap into the senses, like honey. We also look at turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. The best aphrodisiac is nourishing your body and your relationship with good conversation, good food, and time spent together," she says.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we decided to explore some of the more popular aphrodisiac food varieties to see what makes them tick. From bananas to garlic, pine nuts to grapes, aphrodisiac foods taste delicious and truly span the gamut.

Artichoke:
One of the oldest known foods, the artichoke is delicately meaty and filled with antioxidants. "Pull back the leaves of this incredible food, and you find that prickly choke playing hard to get," says Hopkins. "Once inside, the delectable heart reveals itself."

Avocado:
Sodium and cholesterol-free, avocados are nutritious, creamy and mild. "Filled with good fats and possessing a wonderful buttery texture, the curves of the avocado perfectly mimic the curves of a woman's body," says Hopkins.

Bananas:
With its rich, smooth taste (and obviously phallic shape), it's no wonder that the banana has long been considered an aphrodisiac food. More scientifically, bananas are rich in potassium and B vitamins – two necessary components for sex-hormone production.

Chocolate:

The connection between Valentine's Day and chocolate is more than just a marketing gimmick. Chocolate is a flavorful source of quick energy and has been known to elevate people's moods. Why? Chocolate contains two related alkaloid stimulants – theobromine and caffeine. It is also rich in phenylethylamine, a compound that has effects similar to amphetamine.

Garlic:
Used for centuries in ancient Europe as an aphrodisiac remedy, garlic stimulates the secretion of gastric juices, aids in digestion and increases blood flow. It is said that the "heat" in garlic stirs sexual desires.

Ginger:
Before modern medicine, ginger was used to help relieve menstrual cramping. Ginger root is still used today to soothe the stomach. It also acts as a stimulant. As an aphrodisiac, ginger is thought to relax the smooth muscles of the uterus and intestines. "And ginger is great for digestion," says Hopkins.

Honey:
Golden, sticky and sweet, honey's look, taste and texture make it alluring and mysterious. "This substance is glorious," says Hopkins.

Oysters:
The classic aphrodisiac, oysters get a lot of attention for their mouth feel, especially when swallowed raw (and whole). They also get attention for their resemblance to the female genitals. Very high in protein, oysters are also rich in zinc and iron – nutrients that help in the transport of oxygen and stimulate metabolism.

Pine Nuts:
Chock full of zinc, a key mineral in maintaining male potency, pine nuts have been used to stimulate libido since Medieval times. "Pine nuts have good fats and an extremely velvety texture," says Hopkins. "They fit well as an addition to pasta dishes and lighter dishes, like salads."

Vanilla:
Aromatic and seductive, the smell and flavor of vanilla is believed to increase feelings of lust. Some studies have shown that vanilla can raise levels of catecholamines, or adrenaline, in the blood.