Watermelon Viagra

Look no further than the produce section if lust is on the shopping list. Studies show that watermelon can have the same blood flow benefits as the wildly popular erectile dysfunction drug Viagra. According to scientists, watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels, and may even increase libido.

Watermelon contains an ingredient called citrulline. Citrulline reacts with enzymes to trigger the body's release of a chemical called arginine. The result of increased arginine levels is relaxed blood vessels, scientists at Texas A&M say the effect is similar Viagra. While citrulline is found in all parts of the watermelon, the rind is 60 percent richer in the ingredient. And even higher doses are found in yellow-fleshed watermelons.

Arginine is an amino acid that has beneficial effects on the heart and circulation system, and maintains a good immune system. Arginine also boosts nitric oxide, which relaxes blood vessels, the same basic effect that Viagra has.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture study corroborates the claims saying watermelon can also help with angina, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. It's a fantastic homeopathic supplement to medical treatment. Additionally, watermelon is packed with key nutrients like lycopene, beta carotene, and other phytonutrients that help combat free radicals in the body which leads to cancer.

One known side effects of too much watermelon intakes is its diuretic effect, not to mention all that water that might have a person running to the loo more frequently. It would take a lot of watermelon to increase the body's level of arginine, about six cups worth. Watermelon is also high in sugar which could affect those with blood sugar issues.

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Walnut an Alternative to Viagra

Are you suffering from low sexual confidence? Walnut may be a fruit for you to patronize. Some people have a constantly low libido, whereas others experience episodes of loss of libido. Walnuts are rich in protein, and high in potassium and other minerals such as zinc and iron. Because of this, it is being touted as an aphrodisiac. Besides this, the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts are helpful in protecting the body from cardiovascular diseases by preventing erratic rhythms in the heart, making the blood less likely to clot inside the arteries, and improving the ratio of good to bad cholesterol.

Mounting scientific research shows the health benefits of walnuts. Walnuts are the healthy nut and go beyond lowering cholesterol. A new clinical study from the University of Barcelona shows that substituting walnuts for monounsaturated fat in a Mediterranean diet improves, and even restores, endothelial function (the property of arteries to dilate in order to meet an increased demand of blood). Walnuts also reduce harmful cell adhesion molecules which are associated with atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries. These dual effects enhance the circulatory system, therefore aiding in the prevention of heart disease. According to the researchers, walnuts are the first whole food to show such cardiovascular benefits.

Walnuts are a complete aliment, and have a high energetic value: up to 6,500 calories per kilogram. This is due to their high content in polyunsaturated fats. They are also rich in iodine, they are considered good for preventing goiter caused by thyroid gland impairment and all hormonal unbalances associated with it.

Did you know that ancient Romans and other cultures threw walnuts instead of rice at weddings because they believed walnuts held aphrodisiac powers? Just recently, researchers announced they have produced a Viagra alternative from it too, the tablet called N-Hanz. The team of researchers at Universiti Malaya (UM) was able to unlock its potentials as a local alternative to Viagra. Prof. Kim Kah Hwi, who headed the team of researchers, said he was inspired to look into walnuts after reading about their use in history and so far 40 volunteers had tried the tablet containing walnut extract and responded positively. Prof. Kim said the new pill was comparable to Viagra as well as safe, although a person would have to consume about 3.3kg of walnuts for the same effect as one tablet. He said, it takes about an hour for the effects to set in and it will last for about four hours. Furthermore, because it is not a drug, he said it is safe for those with hypertension or diabetes, or (those) who have recently had heart by passes, adding that some of the volunteers had undergone bypass surgeries.

Prof Kim said the active ingredient was arginine, an amino acid that is absorbed into the body and converted into nitric oxide known to help to enlarge blood vessels and enhance blood flow to the penis. All these foods that have aphrodisiac properties are within easy reach, including walnut, and so low libido should no more be a dilemma.

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Onions and the Heat of the Night

You get tears when you peel it. And yes, the ancients believe that it’s an aphrodisiac. Since prehistoric times the onion has been considered an aphrodisiac. In the days of the Egyptian pharaohs, celibate priests were forbidden to eat onions because of its potential effects to raise their libidinous desires out of control. They are mentioned in many classic Hindu texts on the art of making love and were commonly used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Greece. Ancient Greeks believed that certain bitter edible bulbs (that includes garlic, and onion) stimulated passion. They were cooked in various ways, and eaten with “aphrodisiac salads” containing honey and sesame seeds. Also in France, newlyweds were served onion soup on the morning after their wedding night to restore their libido.

What is it that onions have to make them believe that it’s an aphrodisiac? For one thing, onions are rich in sulfur compounds, the one that turns us into tears when chopping it. These sulfur compounds have been shown to produce good anti-inflammatory effects. Because of this, some experts suggest that it might be good for treating cough and asthma.

Onions have the ability to reduce the stickiness of platelets and to decrease the thickness of the blood, which is good for blood circulation and can possibly reduce atherosclerosis. Because of this, some studies have proven that a healthy intake of onion will lead to a decreased risk of stroke and heart attack.

Other studies of onion consumption have also suggested that onions are good for lowering hypertension and high blood pressure. It also increases the body’s ability to produce amounts of insulin to lower blood sugar which is good for people with diabetes. Onion oil and its constituents are also known to kill various microbes which suggest that it might also be useful as an anti-microbial agent. Evidences in several clinical studies have also favored onion as an effective cancer prevention food.

Most human studies that have shown an effect from onions used at least 25 grams per day and often two to four times that amount. Though some studies have found cooked onions acceptable, several studies suggest that onion constituents are degraded by cooking and that fresh or raw onions are probably most active. So for better effect, try eating onions raw, if you can bear its taste.

And yes, since it’s really unbearable for some to eat it raw, here’s an onion recipe which you might find more appetizing:

Caramelized Onions

Ingredients
6 tablespoons of olive oil
5 tablespoons of butter
2 ½ kilograms of finely chopped onions
4 laurel leaves
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of salt
½ cup of white wine

Preparation

Mix the olive oil and the butter in a deep thick pot. Place it over the heat. Then add in the onions, half of the sugar, half of the salt and 2 laurel leaves. Cover the preparation with the rest of the onion, sugar, salt and laurel.

Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes. Cook until the onions are a golden color.

Add in the wine and stir the bottom of the pot to take advantage of the bits that stick, until the wine diminishes.

Serve hot with bovine meat, pork or roasted chicken.

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Garlic, an Aphrodisiac

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a perennial plant in the family Alliaceae and genus Allium, closely related to the onion, shallot, and leek. It grows in the wild in areas where it has become naturalised, but is thought to have originally arisen in cultivation, probably descended from the species Allium longicuspis, which grows wild in south-western Asia. Garlic has been used throughout all of recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.

Regarding its medicinal use, garlic proves to be one outstanding bulb. It prevents and fights common cold; diminishes platelet aggregation; lowers LDL-C (“low density lipoprotein” --- carries cholesterol); treats hyperlipidaemia; significantly inhibits atherosclerosis via its aged extract “kyolic”; protects and keeps the elastic properties of elderly people’s aortas; prevents complications by diabetes mellitus; has cancer-fighting properties; treats intestinal worms and other internal parasites; and remedies chest problems, digestive disorders, and fungal infections. Pretty numerous, eh? Thus, Galen eulogizes it as the "rustic's theriac" (cure-all).

Sexual stimulant

In the times of Homer, Greeks ate garlic daily - with bread, as a condiment, or added to salads. It was the main ingredient in a garlic paste (a forerunner of today’s skordalia?) containing cheese, garlic, eggs, honey, and oil. Then, between the forth and first centuries B.C.E. many medical doctors, including Galen, the one stated earlier, and Hippocrates agreed that ingesting garlic would contribute to sexual potency. Fifteen centuries later Maimonides added his voice to this bit of folk wisdom. Although this theory is laughed at by most contemporary medical researchers, garlic remains the most popular aphrodisiac of modern day Greeks, especially those who inhabit the Ionian Islands. On Corfu, for example, widowers who marry are feted before the wedding with an assortment of dishes, all of which are heavily seasoned with garlic. There is even a priest living in the village of Kourkabedes who promises barren couples that chewing six raw heads of garlic each day will produce a child for them.

One research has also proven that garlic supplementation in rats along with a high protein diet has been shown to boost testosterone levels (of the rats, that is).

Basically, since it improves blood circulation and shows antibiotic properties, it has been generally accepted to be a potent aphrodisiac; but now it appears that an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is primarily responsible for the mechanism of erection. Studies have recently shown that garlic in certain forms can stimulate the production of NOS particularly in individuals who have low levels of this enzyme.

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Almond, an Aphrodisiac

The Almond (Prunus dulcis, syn. Prunus amygdalus, or Amygdalus communis) is a small deciduous tree belonging to the subfamily Prunoideae of the family Rosaceae; an almond is also the fruit of this tree. The plant is classified with the peach in the subgenus Amygdalus within Prunus, distinguished from the other subgenera by the corrugated seed shell.

The tree is a native of southwest Asia. The domesticated form can ripen fruit as far north as the British Isles. It is a small tree, growing to 4-9 m tall. The leaves are lanceolate, 6-12 cm long, and serrated at the edges. The flowers are white or pale pink, 3-5 cm diameter with five petals, produced before the leaves in early spring.

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E and are a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats, one of the two "good" fats responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol.

Almonds can help boost the sex drive. The kernel of Indian almond was not only shown to have aphrodisiac activity, it is also useful in the treatment of some forms of sexual inadequacies (premature ejaculation). Additionally, in Sicily, it is also used to make sweet liqueur and even almond-flavored wines, bought thought to be an aphrodisiac. In some cultures also, they are associated with passion and fertility. Their aroma is alleged to excite women and is therefore a common ingredient in creams and soaps; hence, in the bible, Samson courted Delilah with fragrant almond branches and was able to attract her.

Almond Aphrodisiac Soup:

• 2 hard-cooked egg yolks
• 1 cup almonds, blanched and skinned
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 cup light cream
• 2 Tablespoons honey

Garnish: 1/4 cup fresh rasberries, crushed and lightly sugared
Put nuts and egg yolks in the blender and chop fine. Slowly add the chicken stock, a spoonful at a time, until the ingredients make a fine paste. Continue blending on high speed as you slowly pour in the rest of the chicken stock and cream. Pour the contents into a saucepan and heat the soup very carefully on a low heat until it is hot and thick. It must never boil or it will curdle. Stir in the honey right before serving. Ladle into two bowls. Top each with spoonsful of the rasberry puree and serve immediately.

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Pineapple an Aphrodisiac

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is a tropical plant and fruit (berry), native to Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay. The plant is a short (1–1.5 m) herbaceous perennial with 30 or more trough-shaped and pointed leaves 30–100 cm long, surrounding a thick stem. Pineapples are the only bromeliad fruit in widespread cultivation.

The name pineapple in English (or piña in Spanish) comes from the similarity of the fruit to a pine cone. The word "pineapple", first recorded in 1398, was originally used to describe the reproductive organs of conifer trees (now termed pine cones). When European explorers discovered this tropical fruit, they called them "pineapples" (term first recorded in that sense in 1664) because it resembled what we now know as pine cones. The term "pine cone" was first recorded in 1695 to replace the original meaning of "pineapple".

Pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, which digests food by breaking down protein. Pineapple juice can thus be used as a marinade and tenderizer for meat. There is significant evidence pointing to the anti-inflammatory benefits of bromelain. Some have claimed that pineapple has benefits for some intestinal disorders while others claim that it helps to induce childbirth when a baby is overdue. Additionally, it is also a good source of manganese, as well as containing significant amounts of Vitamin C and Vitamin B1. Some television ads promote it as a measure to prevent cancer because of the phytochemicals it contains especially the fresh fruit.

It has diuretic properties which increase the urine flow; and as suggested in the previous paragraph, it can also purify your digestive tract in case intestinal disorders such as inflammation set in. Because it is rich in vitamin C and is used in the homeopathic treatment for impotence, it also became considered as an aphrodisiac that invigorates sexual prowess. For aphrodisiac effect, eat with chili powder or mix with honey and rum. A small glass taken daily promotes energies of love.

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Vitamin A Needed for Healthy Sex Organs

Did you know that vitamin A is actually responsible for our sexuality? Without proper amounts of vitamin A, the gonads can't manufacture our sex hormones. These hormones regulate our sexual desires and abilities. For males proper amounts of vitamin A can mean healthy sperm and virility. For females it means responsiveness, and the ability to conceive, and to carry the fetus to full term in the womb.

Vitamin A is an essential human nutrient which is commonly attributed to better vision, healthy skin and bone growth (besides calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium). But besides these, it is also involved in many of our body’s processes such as cell growth and development, immune function, reproduction, embryonic development, reduction of heart diseases and cancer, and its antioxidant activity. In fact, it doesn’t only reduce the possibility of cancer but some sources are also citing its ability to cure both cancer and leukemia even better than chemotherapy.

Vitamin A is required for our gonads to convert cholesterol into sex hormone to release it to the blood stream and increase our sexual desire. It is involved in the production of sex hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. This vitamin is also responsible for the health of the mucous membranes and responsible in fact, for the entire epithelial package inside and out.

Without vitamin A, the outer covering of ovaries in women, and the prostate gland in men stops producing mucus and sex hormones. The covering hardens (no mucus) and cannot function properly (no sex hormones). A domino effect comes into action and your whole reproductive system is in danger. Because of this, men's sperm count can decrease, and women's fertility can go down if they are not getting sufficient vitamin A. Women can experience a reduction in sexual desire, lower fertility, and more problems with the delivery of their children. Vitamin A not only causes reproductive cells to secrete mucus, but also causes most other cells in your body to secrete mucus. This mucus protects the cell from invading bacteria and viruses. This is an important part of the immune system and can even protect against cancer. Some doctors and scientists think that some forms of cancer are caused by viruses. When the cell membranes are coated in mucus, they stay intact longer, extending the cell life and keeps you looking young.

For many women menorrhagia, or excessively prolonged menstrual periods, can cause anemia, and the cramps can be at the least, debilitating. But there is almost no other problem associated with a woman's cycles that can't be corrected by simply getting proper amounts and dosages of the vitamins A and E. Studies have shown that women suffering from this condition were invariably always deficient in vitamin A. In a study, these women were given 60,000 IU of vitamin A per day for a month, 90 per cent of them were cured. The other 10% saw remarkable improvement. Pain, spotting and irregularity also were corrected or dramatically improved creating over all better health.

People who are heavy drinkers often have problems with their vision. That’s because ninety percent of all the vitamin A in your body is stored in the liver. Alcohol kills your liver, and not as much of the vitamin can be stored there. Alcohol also makes you urinate a whole lot of vitamins, including A. If you are a heavy drinker and cannot cut back, you might consider eating more foods rich in vitamin A.

Vitamin A is found in quite high amounts in oil-rich fish such as herring and mackerel and in shellfish such as oysters. Liver, egg, yolk, cheese, butter, squash and carrots are also good sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A can occur in two different forms - as retinol, which is easily absorbed by the body, or as carotenoids, which are less easily absorbed and have only 50% of the absorption rate of retinol.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. That means it is eaten, absorbed, transported and stored with fat. You must be careful when cutting out a lot of fat in your diet, not to cut out the A and all the other fat soluble vitamins. Even if you eat a healthy diet, you may be getting less vitamin A than you think. Processing takes vitamin A out of foods, and additives kill it. Most refined foods are much lower in vitamins than "the real thing". Cooking can also render much of the vitamin A in foods useless. You can get more carotene from steamed carrots than raw, though. Boiling, however, makes A inactive. You should be careful how you prepare your foods, so you can get the full amount of vitamins possible.

As vitamin A is fat-soluble, disposing of any excesses taken in through diet is much harder than with water-soluble vitamins B and C. As such, vitamin A toxicity can result. This can lead to nausea, jaundice, irritability, anorexia (not to be confused with anorexia nervosa, the eating disorder), vomiting, blurry vision, headaches, muscle and abdominal pain and weakness, drowsiness and altered mental status. These toxicities only occur with preformed (retinoid) vitamin A (such as from liver and supplements). The carotenoid forms (such as beta-carotene as found in carrots), give no such symptoms, but excessive dietary intake of beta-carotene can lead to carotenodermia, which causes orange-yellow discoloration of the skin.

Recommended daily allowance of vitamin A are as follows:
(Infant 0-1 years) - 375 RE
(1-3) - 400 RE
(4-6) - 500 RE
(7-10) - 700 RE
(11+ (men)) - 1000 RE
(11+ (women)) - 800 RE
Pregnant - 800 RE
Lactating 1st 6 months - 1300 RE
Lactating 2nd 6 months - 1200 RE

*RE = retinol equivalent
*1 microgram of retinol (animal vitamin A) = 1RE
*6 micrograms of beta-carotene (most common plant vitamin A) = 1RE
*12 micrograms of other provitamin A carotenoids (plant vitamin A) = 1RE

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B Vitamins to Improve Your Mood and Energy

The B vitamins are eight water-soluble vitamins (besides Vitamin C) that play important roles in cell metabolism. These vitamins are known to play an important part in energy production, improve immune and nervous functions, promote cell growth and division, and maintain healthy skin and muscle tone. Additionally, they can also help boost your libido by regulating your sex hormone levels and function, and combating stress and depression. Several studies have also suggested that B vitamins can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, help lower cholesterol, and fight heart diseases.

All eight of these B vitamins, collectively known as vitamin B complex, are as follows:

• thiamine (B1)
• riboflavin (B2)
• niacin (B3)
• pantothenic acid (B5)
• pyridoxine (B6)
• cyanocobalamin (B12)
• folic acid (B9, B-c, or vitamin M)
• biotin (B7 or vitamin H)

Your ability to react and respond to your lover depends on your brain’s signals to your glands to initiate the hormone production and flow of blood to your sex organs. B vitamins help in these areas by improving your mood, nervous and hormonal functions, and blood flow.

Thiamine is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates into the simple sugar glucose which the body uses for energy. Thiamine is also important for the production of enzymes and the proper functioning of the nervous system. Optimal nerve transmission and energy production are important factors that contribute to better sex.

Riboflavin is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and, like thiamine, it acts as a coenzyme in the process. It is also significant in the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and for nerve sheaths. Riboflavin helps in preventing cataracts, increasing iron levels, and regeneration of glutathione, an enzyme that rids the body of free radicals. Results of better riboflavin intake can be seen in healthy smooth skin and increased fertility.

Niacin is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. A deficiency of niacin causes the disease, pellagra. The symptoms of pellagra are sometimes referred to as the "three D's" -- diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia -- ultimately resulting in a fourth "D", death. Niacin has been proven to aid in lowering bad cholesterol in the body. It contributes to better sex through increasing blood circulation and synthesizing of sex hormones. It enlarges the blood vessels resulting to enhanced erection. For women, it increased blood flow to the skin and mucous membranes which intensifies their orgasm. Vitamin B3 is also known as a quick-acting aphrodisiac in pure form because it produces flush (niacin fluch) identical to the sexual flush. Using it 30 minutes before sexual activity can enhance the sexual flush.

Pyridoxine, also known as pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine, is needed (like some of the other B vitamins) for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is also used in the production of red blood cells, as well as in the biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Because Pyridoxine plays a central role the formation of key several neurotransmitters, and the production of serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, it is frequently recommended as a nutrient to support mental function (mood) and nerve conduction. It is also believed to benefit impotence enhancing the levels of testosterone in the body and also improving the stimulus required to get the erection process started. Additionally, it decreases production of prolactin, a hormone that reduces sex drive.

Cyanocobalamin and folic acid interacts together to synthesize DNA, which is important for all cells in the body. They are also necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide. A deficiency in one or both causes anemia, poor growth, brain damage, and irritation of the mouth. These two also plays an important role in a woman’s fertility, especially during pregnancy, where the need for them increases due to high requirements of the vitamins from the fetus. All of the B vitamins, especially folic acid, should be slightly increased during pregnancy and lactation (breast milk production).

Pantothenic acid and biotin are used in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids. They also function as coenzymes in carboxylation reactions (-COOH) along with folic acid, which are also useful in many of the body's functions. Pantothenic acid might be useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. It could also be used to lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is commonly found in "anti-stress" formulas because it works with the adrenal glad to produce stress hormones. Biotin of course strengthens the fingernails, relieves a scalp condition in newborns, and is very effective at controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics.

According to a new study Cancer Causes and Control in 2003, women with low dietary intakes of vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B12 (cobalamin), and folic acid may be more at risk of developing pre-malignant changes in the cervix called cervical dysplasia which could lead to the development of cervical cancer. This is especially true for those who smoke and take alcohol which depletes B vitamins from the body. Studies have also shown that oral contraceptive pills deplete the body of B vitamins just the same and their use is known to increase the risk of cervical dysplasia as well.

Vitamin B3 Niacin is available in a form called nicotinic acid. Now, this nicotinic acid if taken in large doses -- 100 mg to 1,000 mg (1 g) daily -- are effective in lowering blood levels of triglycerides and the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, while increasing blood levels of the "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This makes niacin an important tool in preventing or reversing heart disease. Niacin raises HDL (good) cholesterol levels significantly.

Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid are known to lower homocysteine levels in the body. High blood levels of homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, kidney diseases, psoriasis, breast cancer, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Homocysteine is an amino acid formed during the metabolism of methionine, an amino acid found in proteins. Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid block this process by metabolizing homocysteine further.

Different B vitamins come from different natural sources, such as potatoes, bananas, lentils, chilli peppers, tempeh, liver oil, liver, turkey, tuna, Nutritional yeast (or brewer's yeast) and molasses. Marmite and Vegemite bill themselves as "one of the world's richest known sources of vitamin B". The B-12 vitamin is of note because it is not available from plant products, making B-12 deficiency a concern for vegans. Another popular means of increasing one's vitamin B intake is through the use of dietary supplements purchased at supermarkets, health centers, or natural food stores. B vitamins are also commonly added to energy drinks.

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Longer Nights with Vitamin C

Besides its popular role as a vitamin that enhances the body's resistance against a wide range of diseases, including bacterial and viral complications, did you know that vitamin C can boost your sex drive? Vitamin C or L-ascorbate is an essential nutrient for us humans including our cousin primates, other mammalian species (notably guinea pigs and bats), a few species of birds, and some fish. The presence of ascorbate is required for a range of essential metabolic reactions in all animals and plants. It is made internally by almost all organisms. Unfortunately, humans have no such ability and had to rely to taking it from dietary sources. It is widely known as the vitamin whose deficiency causes scurvy in humans.

Primarily, vitamin C participates in the synthesis of hormones that are involved in sex and fertility; such as androgen, estrogen and progesterone. And yet besides that, vitamin C also helps keep your various sex glands running smoothly. Recent studies revealed that ascorbic vitamin C might improve production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide facilitates blood vessels dilation to improve blood flow to sexual organs. Increasing vitamin C intake may also be helpful in increasing semen volume. Tests have shown that taking 500-1000 milligrams a day can increase the number and quality of sperm produced and reduce abnormalities. It also keeps your sperms strong by protecting them against free radicals that make them cling together in immobile clumps, a condition known as “agglutination”. Increasing your vitamin C levels, therefore, can improve your sperm's chances of fertilizing an egg.

Fruits and vegetables contain large concentrations of vitamin C. Oranges, kiwifruits, grapefruits, lemons, and mangoes are some of the fruits loaded with the ascorbic vitamin C. Broccoli, tomatoes, red bell peppers, lettuce, beans and legumes are vegetables crammed with ascorbic acid.

Make sure that your intake of vitamin C comes from a wide and varied assortment. Don't restrict your intake to any single source. Eat a multi-color serving of the dark greens, along with the light greens, yellows and reds, along with whites and blacks.

Take note that these natural sources oftentimes only provide adequate nutrition for young healthy adults. The elderly and people with physiological and environmental health problems may have increased requirements that necessitate additional vitamin C from supplements to protect the immune system against infectious diseases and for libido as well.

The main cause of ascorbic deficiency is poor diet. Poor intake of vitamin C and vitamin C rich foods can lead to the disease scurvy. Another major reason for deficiency is severe stress. This causes rapid depletion of not only adrenal vitamin C, but from other areas as well. Smoking and alcohol abuse can also lead to deficiency in ascorbic vitamin C, since increased amount of the antioxidant properties is needed to reduce the upshot of free radicals from these bad habits.

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L-Tyrosine to Get in the Mood for Love

L-Tyrosine is especially known for its mood elevating properties which is observed more effectively during conditions of stress, cold, fatigue, prolonged work and sleep deprivation. In several instances, though, its effects manifest in a better mood and increased sex drive.

Tyrosine (abbreviated as Tyr or Y), is one of the 20 amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid synthesized by our bodies from phenylalanine which is derived from protein containing foods. It is a precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone, Adrenaline, and Dopamine. L-Tyrosine is its ingestible supplement form.

Tyrosine is a necessary amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including epinephrine, nor-epinephrine, and dopamine. Reduced levels of Tyrosine are present when your body’s under stress, aged, or tired. L-Tyrosine appears to have a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system. Taking it, thus, treat conditions including depression or mood disorder, poor coping ability, fatigue, low sex drive, low metabolism, and drug abuse (when combined with Tryptophan).

Patients with a deficiency in Thyroxine, the thyroid hormone that regulates body heat and cellular energy production, have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. This condition also leads to the slowing down of the thyroid gland which further leads to low testosterone and low libido. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity. This is because it interacts with Iodine to produce Thyroxine.

L-Tyrosine, along with Phenylalanine, is sometimes prescribed as antidepressants, usually in combination with other nutrients and herbs that also have mood elevating properties. Some doctors also recommend these amino acids as appetite suppressants. Phenylalanine may trigger the release of an appetite-suppressing hormone in the gut called cholecystokinin. Most individuals who take either of these amino acids notice improved alertness, mental arousal, and mood, and slight loss in appetite.

Through its effect on neurotransmitters, L-Tyrosine may affect several health conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, depression, and other mood disorders. Preliminary findings of its studies indicate a beneficial effect of tyrosine, along with other amino acids, in people affected by dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Due to its role as a precursor to nor-epinephrine and epinephrine (two of the body’s main stress-related hormones) tyrosine may also ease the adverse effects of environmental, psychosocial, and physical stress.

Did you know that Tyrosine is also involved in the production of Dopamine, also known for its functions as a libido-enhancing neurotransmitter (which might explain its ability to boost sex drive)? Yes it does, but too high doses of L-Tyrosine could result otherwise. Too much tyrosine could result in decreased absorption of other amino acids including Dopamine. The usual dosage of L-Tyrosine amounts to 500-1500 mg per day. It is not recommended to exceed 12000 mg (12 g) per day.

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Peak Sexual Performance from L-arginine

L-arginine is an important amino acid that plays numerous functions in our body. One of it, which is also the reason why I’m blogging about it, is its role in your sexual health. L-arginine is widely marketed and used as a supplement for sexual dysfunction in men and women (lack of libido for women, and erectile dysfunction for men). Current studies support the use of L-arginine supplements to ensure that nitric oxide secretion is sufficient to keep blood flowing to the body especially the lower extremities. This is because L-arginine is used to make the nitric oxide, a compound in the body that relaxes blood vessels and muscles which helps in boosting blood flow. Researches say that the lack of arginine lessens your body’s production of nitric oxide which can lead to poor sexual function (usually erectile dysfunction for males).

L-arginine has been proven to be important for peak sexual performance in men and probably the most effective natural supplement for increasing male libido. It helps in promoting better and prolonged erection. A low dose of L-arginine supplement, at 500 mg three times a day, has not been found to benefit impotence. In one study, 50 men with erectile dysfunction took either 5 grams of L-arginine per day or a placebo. After six weeks, more men in the L-arginine group had an improvement compared to those taking the placebo. Another study published in 1994 showed an 80 percent improvement in the erectile function of men given 2.8 grams of argentine a day for two weeks.

Amazingly, it also does the same libido enhancement for women. A study done at the University of Texas at Austin examined L-arginine benefit, combined with yohimbine, on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. Twenty-four women participated in three sessions in which sexual responses to erotic stimuli were measured following treatment with either L-arginine glutamate (6 g) plus yohimbine (6 mg), yohimbine alone (6 mg), or a placebo, using a randomized, double-blind design. Sexual responses were measured at one hour after taking the supplements. Compared to placebo, the combined oral administration of L-arginine and yohimbine increased vaginal pulse amplitude responses to the erotic film.

Besides the sexual benefits you’ll get from it, L-arginine is also useful in improving your overall health including your heart. One study conducted by the University of California at Los Angeles on mice suggests that the effects of food supplements (L-arginine and antioxidant vitamins) in combination with regular but not over-strenuous exercise boosted levels of nitric oxide, which is known to protect the arteries and heart from damage, and increased their resistance from heart diseases. According to them, if it works in mice, it'll work in humans.

The benefits and functions attributed to oral ingestion of L-arginine include:

• Precursor for the synthesis of Nitric Oxide (NO)
• Stimulation of the release of the most important anti-aging hormone in the body, growth hormone
• Improves immune function
• Reduces healing time of injuries (particularly bone)
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Increases muscle mass
• Reduces adipose tissue body fat
• Helps improve insulin sensitivity
• Helps decrease blood pressure
• Alleviates male infertility, improving sperm production and motility
• Increases circulation throughout the body, including the sex organs

Before taking L-arginine supplements, please be warned about its possible side effects first:

• L-arginine may lower blood pressure because it is involved in the formation of nitric oxide. It may also result in indigestion, nausea, and headache.
• L-arginine should not be used following a heart attack. If you have a history of heart disease, consult your doctor before taking L-arginine. Researchers speculate that L-arginine may in fact be responsible for aggravating further the effects of cardiac shock.
• Higher doses of arginine can increase stomach acid, so it may worsen heartburn, ulcers, or digestive upset cause by medications. Arginine appears to increase stomach acid by stimulating the production of gastrin, a hormone that increases stomach acid.
• L-arginine may also alter potassium levels, especially in people with liver disease. People with kidney disease and those who take ACE inhibitors or potassium sparing diuretics should not use supplemental L-arginine unless they are under professional supervision. It may also alter the levels of other chemicals and electrolytes in the body, such as chloride, sodium, and phosphate.
• Arginine may increase blood sugar levels, so it shouldn't be used by people with diabetes unless under a doctor's supervision.
• Pregnant and nursing women and children should not use supplemental L-arginine, as its safety has not been established.

Arginine, the natural form of L-arginine, is a nonessential amino acid, meaning it can be manufactured by the human body, and does not need to be obtained directly through the diet. The biosynthetic pathway however does not produce sufficient arginine, and some must still be consumed through diet. Individuals who have poor nutrition or certain physical conditions are advised to supplement their diet with L-Arginine or increase their intake of foods containing arginine. Arginine is found in a wide variety of foods, including:

Animal sources: dairy products (e.g. cottage cheese, ricotta, milk, yogurt, whey protein drinks), beef, pork (e.g. bacon, ham), poultry (e.g. chicken and turkey light meat), wild game (e.g. pheasant, quail), seafood (e.g. halibut, lobster, salmon, shrimp, snails, tuna in water)

Vegetarian sources: wheat germ and flour, buckwheat, granola, oatmeal, nuts (coconut, pecans, cashews, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, hazel nuts, pine nuts, peanuts), seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower), chick peas, cooked soybeans, chocolate

Other: some energy drinks, body building and food supplements, aphrodisiac supplements

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Vitamin E the Sex Vitamin

When you are deprived of Vitamin E, your testicles will shrink. That’s because a study involving male animals had the same findings when they were not given foods with Vitamin E. In pregnant female animals with vitamin E deficiency, the fetuses were reabsorbed into the uterus, preventing the animals from bearing young. Miraculously, giving the animals even a single drop of vitamin E–rich wheat germ oil restored their fertility. This is one of the many reasons why researchers believe that Vitamin E plays a critical role in boosting human fertility.

According to Wikipedia, Vitamin E is the collective name for a set of eight related tocopherols and tocotrienols, which are fat-soluble vitamins with antioxidant properties. Of these, α-tocopherol (alpha tocopherol) has been most studied as it has the highest bioavailability, with the body preferentially absorbing and using this form. It works better hand in hand with Selenium which I’ve discussed earlier. And both works on helping your body deal with the free radicals which is the culprit of cellular damage that leads to cancer.

Today, Vitamin E is well-known in fighting heart diseases and cancer. Multiple studies involving daily supplementation of Vitamin E proved that it is capable of lessening and even totally preventing the advent of heart diseases and heart attacks. Also, Researchers in another study found that among male smokers who took 50 to 75 IU (international units) a day of vitamin E, the incidence of prostate cancer was reduced by about one-third. There were 41 percent fewer deaths from prostate cancer among the men who took vitamin E as opposed to those who didn’t. A research in Tufts University also found out that Vitamin E is a powerful anti-aging agent because it could reverse age-related declines in immune function.

Here is the list of conditions and diseases that Vitamin E can help in: Heart disease, angina, cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts, emphysema, high cholesterol, fibrocystic breast condition intermittent claudication, infertility, impotence, genital herpes, bedsores, leg cramps, muscle soreness, phlebitis, menopausal discomforts, HIV, osteoarthritis, and chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Regarding sex, Vitamin E plays an important role in the production of sex hormones. It protects them from oxidation and degradation. Low vitamin E levels can cause a decline in the formation of key sex hormones and enzymes responsible for sperm production and ovarian health. Vitamin E also shows a protective effect on sperm cell membranes. Supplementation with Vitamin E can also aid in improving sperm motility.

The decline in sexual libido for women can sometimes be attributed to the drop in levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Several studies have shown that Vitamin E possesses estrogenic, androgenic and progesterone-like properties which can help in combating this hormonal change. Thus, this vitamin can assist in easing hormonal imbalances, hot flashes, low libido and even combating vaginal changes.

Besides supplements there are natural dietary sources of Vitamin E. Particularly high levels of vitamin E can be found in the following foods:

• Asparagus
• Avocado
• Nuts
• Olives
• Red Palm Oil
• Seeds
• Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
• Vegetable oils -- corn, sunflower, soybean, cottonseed
• Wheat germ

When taking Vitamin E supplements, it’s always worth discussing it with your doctor, and of course, you’ll want to ask about risks. There have been recent incidents of elevated hemorrhagic problems linked with high dosage of Vitamin E. Also, there has been a conducted research that links Vitamin E to tuberculosis.

Regarding the right form of Vitamin E to take, researchers said that Natural Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is better than the synthetic ones (dl-alpha tocopherol) because they are known to be retained in our body two times better than the latter. Natural Vitamin E can be found in natural foods, of course, and in supplements also. That is why it is always best to read the ingredients of your supplements or multivitamins before buying.


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