AHEAD of Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Dorset-based celebrity nutritionist and author, Barbara Cox has created a list of Valentine’s Food to Get You ‘In the Mood’.

She says: “When Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love – rose from the sea on an oyster and then gave birth to Eros, she also gave birth to the notion of the aphrodisiac.

“Do oysters really arouse the libido, or is this a myth as well? Read on as I’ve been doing some research into why some food gets us in the mood…!”

Almonds

The almond has long been a symbol of fertility and it is believed that the aroma stimulates female passion.

Chilli Peppers

These contain capsaicin, a chemical that raises our pulse and stimulates our nerve endings. They’re also believed to trigger the release of endorphins, the ‘happy hormones’.

Chocolate

There’s no denying their effect as an aphrodisiac, due to the phenylethylamine they produce – a stimulant that produces a sense of wellbeing and excitement.

Fennel

The key to its reputation as an aphrodisiac, besides producing fresh breath, is that it produces chemicals similar to the female hormone oestrogen.

Ginger

Ginger is a circulatory system stimulant, which has the added benefit of increasing sexual powers and desire!

Oysters

A rich source of zinc, an important mineral for testosterone production.

Strawberries

Strawberries are the perfect fruit of passion – heart-shaped and bright red, the colour associated with love and passion. A symbol of Venus and used as an aphrodisiac since the time of ancient Rome.

* Barbara Cox has launched her second book called Eat to Be Fit and will be giving a cookery demo at Purewell Electrical on February 26 from 6pm to 8pm.

Barbara will be cooking a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner to show you how to fuel your body for more energy, fight disease and look and feel ten years younger. Tickets £15. To book, go to http://bit.ly/2I22o8C