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Cherished in history as far back as the time of ancient Egypt, mushrooms were believed to bring immortality. Other cultures have considered them the bringers of super-human strength - take that, Popeye. And of course, there were those throughout history who celebrated mushrooms for their hallucinogenic effects.

While there is no documented scientific proof of mushrooms' aphrodisiac effects, there is an ancient legend repeating itself through several South Pacific cultures that offers some substantiation to the mushroom's sexy rep. In each of these cultures, a story has been told of women wandering through forests in search of sustenance. After snacking on wild mushrooms, the women feel more than full. They are said to experience fits of sexual ecstasy. It is suspected that hormone-like compounds present in the forest fungus may have some similarity to human neurotransmitters released in females during sexual encounters. Unfortunately, the theory also implies that the effects are neutral in men.

Whether or not your grocery store button mushroom promises a sexual tickle, mushrooms are proven to offer antibiotic and anti-inflammatory effects.