Asparagus is a good aphrodisiac. A recent study also found that greater sexual activity in older men might protect them against prostate cancer. According to the doctor, the best aphrodisiacs are asparagus, bananas, cabbage, celery, figs, oysters and sea veggies. But it's not just about the mechanics of sex. Healthy sexual function is also about how your brain reacts to the messages it's receiving from your body, he adds. When your brain is working at its peak, brain chemicals are produced and dispersed at the correct levels. A reduced sexual desire can apparently be the first sign there's a problem with one of the four key brain chemicals - dopamine, acetylcholine, GABA and serotonin. The following spices can also boost dopamine levels: basil, black pepper, cayenne, chilli peppers, cumin, fennel, flax seeds, garlic, ginger, mustard seed, rosemary, sesame seeds, tarragon and turmeric.

Spices like basil are known to boost acetylcholine.

Spices good for boosting acetylcholine include allspice, basil, cumin, peppermint, sage, thyme and turmeric.

Alcohol increases GABA ­levels, but make sure you stop at one or two glasses a day -- a man might not be able to maintain an erection and a woman could nod off.

Good antidepressant spices for serotonin include anise, dill, marjoram, nutmeg, peppermint, saffron, spearmint and turmeric.