EAT ME: Seven foods, supplements that can boost your sex drive

Good sex is an integral part of every marriage. Therefore, it is not surprising that in many relationships experiencing sex-related issues, partners often endure endless nightmares, and in extreme cases, even settle for a divorce.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in men is real and it is at the heart of most sex-related problems in relationships.

It is usually caused by several factors. These include problems with blood flowing into and staying in the penis, damage to nerve centers in the penis, side effects of medication as well as stress-related issues.

But here is the good news. You can enhance your sex drive and fight ED by taking certain natural foods and supplements without resorting to other substances that could have side effects.

Ready to learn? Here we go!

•  Tribulus Terrestris
  

This is a small leafy plant common in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. While there are no conclusive studies yet to determine if it boosts testosterone — a hormone produced by the human body — there are indications it could enhance sex drive in both men and women.

• Maca

Maca is a root vegetable renowned for its ability to enhance fertility and sex drive. Maca exists in different forms for users ranging from powders, capsules, and liquid extracts.

Are you having nightmares over low libido? Then Maca might be the solution to your problem.

Several studies have established that it boosts libido and can also help treat mild erectile dysfunction in men.

• Ginseng

Ginseng — a root of plant in the genus Panax — is another supplement that could help fight low libido and generally enhance your sexual function, particularly the red ones.

Red ginseng is considered effective in boosting nitric oxide — a compound that facilitates blood circulation and helps muscles in the penis relax.

However, opinions remain divided among researchers as to the extent to which red ginseng can improve sexual drive. This means there is a need for more studies.

•  Fenugreek

Fenugreek is another herb that could help enhance sexual performance. It contains several compounds needed by the body to produce sex hormones including estrogen and testosterone.

However, more studies are still needed to further establish the effectiveness of fenugreek in boosting libido.

• Saffron

This is a delicious spice gotten from the Crocus sativus flower. Aside from helping in reducing stress, it also acts as an aphrodisiac — food or drug that arouses sexual instinct brings on desire or increases sexual pleasure or performance.

However, studies showed it is most effective among those on antidepressants — medications that can help relieve symptoms of depression and social anxiety disorder.

•  Gingko Biloba

This is a common herbal supplement in traditional Chinese medicine. It is touted to increase nitric oxide in men. More studies are, however, needed to establish consistency in the results of its effectiveness.

• L-citrulline

This is an amino acid naturally produced by the body. Here is how it works: your body helps convert L-citrulline to L-arginine which consequently improves blood flow by producing nitric oxide required to dilate your body vessels.

In addition to the above food that is rich in zinc such as oysters can help enhance sex drive. Such foods include crab, lobster, red meat, fortified breakfast cereal, and pine nuts.

Similarly, foods that are rich in flavonoids — powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits — could help fight low libido and enhance sexual drive.

Some foods that are rich in flavonoids are:

• berries
• citrus fruits
• grapes
• apples
• hot peppers
• cocoa products
• red wine
• tea (green, white, and black)