We’re all familiar with the little blue pill known as Viagra, designed to help males with erectile dysfunction problems and in turn, boost physical intimacy. There are other similar drugs which are said to do the trick as well; many of us have seen the commercials in which boat sails are erected, a couple on board pleased with the fact that the fabric is successfully rising towards the sky.
Now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved flibanserin, a pill for women experiencing low libido.
Dubbed “pink Viagra,” the pill–which is actually a salmon color and will be marketed as “Addyi”–was found by the FDA to be successful in clinical trials. In those trials, women experienced a modest increase in their sexual desire and satisfaction using flibanserin as opposed to a placebo. It’s expected that Addyi will be available mid-October 2015.
Why Risk Possible Health and Financial Complications?
Like many medications, however, Addyi comes with a slew of possible side effects including dizziness, fatigue and nausea.
It’s no secret that Viagra, too, has had its share of health problems. Everything from dizziness and painful erections lasting more than four hours to possible liver or kidney complications and even life-threatening irregular heartbeat have been noted.
Therefore, why not consider turning to natural alternatives that don’t jeopardize your health? Eating certain foods have been linked to boosting sexual desire. They’re much healthier than these drugs, which work in part by altering neurochemicals in the brain. Furthermore, they certainly don’t involve health insurance hassles or financial drains which you may experience with these prescribed pills.
5 Foods To Help Boost Libido Naturally
1. Raw oysters
It’s true. Oysters contain extremely high levels of zinc, which not only raises sperm count, but have been said to increase testosterone production. Dr. Oz even calls zinc the “ultimate sex mineral.”
Be sure to purchase fresh oysters and thoroughly clean the outer shell prior to consumption.
2. Black raspberries
“This phytochemical-rich food enhances both libido and sexual endurance,” say Drs. Anna Maria and Brian Clement, authors of 7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality.
The magic number for a great night of passion? They suggest enjoying 10 berries or a tablespoon of their seeds a few hours before engaging in physical intimacy.
3. Almonds
Like oysters, they’re high in zinc which has been shown to help increase sex drive in both men and women.
4. Oatmeal
It’s been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, it can also help make your evenings go well too (wink, wink). This is due to the fact that it contains L-arginine, which helps boost blood flow and do what many prescribed libido-improving pills do.
5. Watermelon
Research from experts at Texas A&M University found that citrulline, a nutrient contained in watermelons, can produce a Viagra-like effect on the body. Citrulline is converted into arginine in the body; arginine improves blood flow which is necessary to achieve an erection. Watermelon’s arginine has “…the same basic effect that Viagra has, to treat erectile dysfunction and maybe even prevent it,” says Dr. Bhimu Patil.
These foods are healthy anyway, whether boosting libido is a concern or not. They’re worth exploring as an affordable, healthier and more natural way to enhance sexual desire and stamina and are always good choices when it comes to achieving optimal health.
Sources for this article include:
(1) http://www.naturalnews.com/
(2) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
(3) http://www.latimes.com/
(4) http://www.drugs.com/
