Thinking of putting together the ultimate Valentine’s Day dinner? Or how about giving a food gift for that special someone in hopes of putting them “in the mood”? Despite the folklore that surrounds the aphrodisiac powers of oysters, figs and chocolate, there are no scientific studies to back up such claims about specific foods that boost libido. But this doesn’t mean you can’t show your love by preparing some “love” foods that are heart healthy.

• Dark chocolate: A little over an ounce of dark chocolate provides a good dose of antioxidants called procyanidins that may help limit some of the steps leading to heart disease.
• Asparagus: Long thought to be an aphrodisiac, this vegetable is rich in folate, a B vitamin known to help lower heart disease risk.
• Radishes: Their spicy kick may waken your senses, but this vegetable is loaded with the mineral potassium, which is needed for healthy blood pressure.
• Oysters: Stories abound about this purported aphrodisiac food, but science doesn’t support such claims. However, this seafood is abundant in the mineral zinc needed for a strong immune system (and sperm production).