Black currant juice

Keeping you and your partner satisfied takes all the energy you can get. Even though energy drinks seem like stamina saviors, the hefty doses of sugar and caffeine pair up for only a temporary surge, resulting in a crash later, says David Zinczecko in his Eat This, Not That series of books. In other words, your energy may not last long enough to get you to the finish line. Too much sugar also can lower testosterone levels, zapping libido. Youkilis suggests sipping black currant juice, which nourishes the adrenal glands for a natural, enduring energy boost.

http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1878/2

Eggs

Consider taming your tofu habit, at least for tonight. With high amounts of plant-based phytoestrogens, a lot of the soy-based food can up estrogen levels, says Dr. Richard. And extra estrogen is a sex-drive stealer in men and women. As a vegetarian-friendly alternative, whip up some eggs. High in vitamins B5 and B6, the breakfast staple fights stress and balances hormones for a healthier libido.

Less of oatmeal and peppermint in the night

Oatmeal

There’s no doubt that this morning munch has a slew of health benefits. In fact, oatmeal helps your body produce the stress-reducer known as serotonin, a moderate amount of which is good for your sex drive. But Dr. Richard says bowl after bowl in a single sitting has the opposite effect, lowering sexual desire. Plus, oatmeal’s high fiber content also can lead to that unpleasant, gassy feeling.

Peppermint

Bad breath may be a turn-off, but freshening it up might not help your situation in the sack. The menthol in peppermint has been shown to reduce testosterone levels, sending sex drive plummeting, says Dr. Richard. Chomping on peppermint-flavored gum means more bad news, since chewing brings air into your system, making you burp. While moans and grunts may enhance sex, belches are better left out of the soundtrack. If mint’s a must before a romp, try peppermint tea. It’s relatively low in menthol and it’s better than gum for digestion, says Robyn Youkilis, a certified health coach and founder of Your Healthiest You

About Dark purple berries, black currant (anti-Alzheimer’s Disease)
Brain power research

Ghosh, D., McGhie, T. K., Zhang, J., Adaim, A. and Skinner, M. (2006), Effects of anthocyanins and other phenolics of boysenberry and blackcurrant as inhibitors of oxidative stress and damage to cellular DNA in SH-SY5Y and HL-60 cells. J. Sci. Food Agric., 86: 678–686. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.2409

Heart of the Matter

At least 61 million Americans suffer from some form of heart disease. And with coronary heart disease (CHD) as the leading cause of death in the United States, it’s important to focus on dietary and lifestyle factors that can help prevent it! The American Heart Association supports a diet high in fruits and vegetables in helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.

In particular, berries that are especially high in certain compounds like flavonoids and other antioxidants may have an even more protective effect. A recent study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subjects who were given a mixture of berries daily (including Black Currants) had a reduction in blood pressure and an increase in good (HDL) cholesterol, two factors that can decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease statistics

American Heart Association.
I. Erlund, R. Koli, G. Alfthan, J. Marniemi, P. Puukka, P. Mustonen, P. Mattila, A. Jula. Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. February 2008, Volume 87, Number 2, Pages 323-331

Seeing is Believing

Vision disorders of aging such as Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are the number 1 cause of blindness in adults over age 65.

Research and clinical studies have shown that certain antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanosides (anthocyanins) may support vision health and decrease the risk of age related vision problems such as cataracts and (AMD).

Scientists have found that a plant based diet rich in flavonoids, including anthocyanins and quercitin (found in Black Currants), may play a role in decreasing the degeneration of the macula (the part of your retina that’s responsible for central vision) by keeping harmful free radicals from damaging the retina.

Hiroshi Ohguro, Ikuyo Ohguro, and Saeko Yagi. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics. February 2013, 29(1): 61-67. doi:10.1089/jop.2012.0071.

Urinary tract infections

While the best treatment for a urinary tract infection is antibiotics, plant compounds called proanthocyanins, found in fruits like Black Currants, may help prevent the infection from beginning or progressing.

Proanthocyanins work their magic by preventing harmful bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls. The most studied for these effects are cranberries, but scientists believe that Black Currants may be just as beneficial. Studies show that Black Currants also contain proanthocyanins, which can be found in the urine after drinking the juice.
Netzel et al. Bioactive anthocyanins detected in human urine after ingestion of blackcurrant juice. K Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2001; 20 (2): 89-95
L.Boyle et al. 1996, Study of blackcurrant juice in nursing home residents to alleviate urinary tract infection and associated problems. Centre for Ageing Studies, Flinders University of South Austrailia.
Kidney stones
Kessler T, Jansen B, Hesse A. Effects of Juice on Kidney Stone Formation Reviewed: Effect of Black Currant-, cranberry- and plum juice. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2002

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