You don't have to trek to the Himalayas or to Timbuktu in order to obtain aphrodisiacs. Some common foodstuffs are, in fact, considered as "love enhancers" and are easily available in your kitchen. Here are a few of these surprising love treats.

Okra, because of its shape and "sticky" reputation, has been considered an aphrodisiac for decades. It helps that this vegetable is included in "spicy" dishes like gumbo and jambalaya. The okras is usually steamed or served fresh with lemon juice.

Tomato has long been known as the "love apple," which is really it's old name. Its reputation as an aphrodisiac may have something to do with its appearance that supposedly resembles a red heart. Anyway, tomatoes are chockfull of vitamins and minerals, which may have led others to deduce that they are good for one's stamina.

Onions seem spicy in more ways than one, especially when regularly included in one's diet. There was even a curious news item in a daily broadsheet, which reported the surprising increase in population of a Central Luzon town whose primarily industry is - you guessed it - onion growing. Certainly, onions seem spicy in more ways than one, especially when regularly included in one's diet. Some internet sites are quick to name a certain species, Vedalio, as a particularly effective onion variety. No mention, however, has been made on whether the effect of onions on one's breath may nullify its supposedly love-enhancing qualities.

Asparagus, like the okra, is probably considered an aphrodisiac because of its elongated appearance. However, scientific studies have shown that it is rich in vitamin E, which is considered effective in stimulating hormone growth. What is debatable is whether to choose canned or fresh asparagus. Our bet? Choose fresh asparagus.

Chili peppers are said to mark the true Bicolano. Amongst Filipinos, Bicolanos have a reputation for being "hot." They attribute this to the fact that Bicolanos eat a lot of chili peppers. The "heat" in chili peppers comes from capsaicin, a chemical that stimulates nerve endings, which eventually leads to a raised pulse and sweating. This further leads to the production of endorphins in the human body, a chemical that gives a natural high allegedly conducive to lovemaking.

Garlic, clove, cinnamon and rosemary are the so-called "dual" aphrodisiacs as they are not only edible but also considered as aromatic aphrodisiacs as well. This is because their strong and readily discernible scents appeal to the basest and oldest of our senses - the sense of smell - which, believe it or not, is an important though unacknowledged part of the sexual act.