The Love Sandwich
 It may not be the first combination you come across at your local sandwich bar ... but their appears to be a legitimate aphrodisiac sandwich.
Figs, honey, ricotta cheese and orange is the perfect filling if you want to give your love life and sex drive a kickstart, scientists say.
They set out to discover the best sandwich for a number of situations, such as a hangover remedy or while preparing for bed. The secret apparently lies in the types and amounts of nutrients provided by each sandwich. Dr John Stanley of Oxford University, who led the research, said that although most of us stick to traditional options such as cheese and tomato, when it comes to doing well in life, the more exotic the filling the better.
The biochemist drew on age-old wisdom to design his aphrodisiac sandwich. It seems the ancient Greeks believed figs increased fertility, he explained, while honey was a key ingredient in love potions during the Middle Ages.
Ricotta and orange were added for flavouring.
Chicken tikka and mango salsa sandwiches were also guaranteed to put you in the mood for love. The same sandwich, with its combination of protein, vitamins and minerals, was also recommended before a business meeting to stay alert. Another combination was apple and peanut butter - said to be ideal before a workout because it provides a slow, steady stream of energy to sustain the body during exercise.
As a hangover cure, a toasted chocolate and banana sandwich is said to work a treat.
It provides a quick release of sugars and minerals to help restore blood sugar levels. At the opposite end of the scale is the smoked turkey with cream cheese sandwich, which is said to guarantee a good night's sleep. Dr Stanley explained: 'Mealtimes are becoming increasingly shorter.
'But a quick and easy sandwich can still give you a good dose of vitamins and minerals to help see you through the day, whatever you have to deal with.'
The sandwich was invented as the original fast food in the 18th century. It is said to have come into being when the 4th Earl of Sandwich ordered sliced meats and cheeses to be served between two slices of bread because he did not have time for a proper meal.
Three centuries on, sandwiches are big business, worth an estimated 30 billion a year globally. John White, director of the Federation of Bakers, which commissioned the research as part of British Bread Month, said: 'We have long been saying that bread really is the best thing and these sandwiches prove that bread is not only good for you, but still relevant, to today's busy lifestyle.'
Despite the experts' exotic recommendations, research by the British Sandwich Association has found that Britons remain very conservative in their choice of filling with cheese the most popular.
Drew Voight 
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