Recent years have seen a large increase in the interest in healthful eating. This goes hand in hand with smoothies. There are thousands of smoothie recipes going around.

Therefore, it is only natural that there is now a smoothie to improve libido. Ridwan Shabsigh, M.D., chairman of surgery at SBH Health System and professor of clinical urology at Cornell, has developed what he calls "the sex shake". The recipe can be found in his book, Sensational Sex in 7 Easy Steps.

The key to the smoothie's potency is the research that suggests that basic ingredients promote sexual health and libido. Zinc is one of the main proponents of the smoothie.

Zinc is an antioxidant that improves lipid profile, as well as supporting the production of sperm and testosterone. This antioxidant has another important function, which is the improvement of blood circulation.

Healthy blood circulation is key to both getting and maintaining an erection. The consumption of alcohol is known to deplete zinc levels, therefore the smoothie will greatly help men who drink regularly.

Another crucial ingredient is Ginseng. Ginseng stimulates the development of nitric oxide, which is essential for smooth-muscle relaxation and erectile function.

Gingerroot promotes cardiovascular health, and in turn erectile function. The gingerroot is most easily obtained by grating a piece of ginger root. Selenium aids in fertility and is crucial for sperm production. Phosphatidylcholine and choline bitartrate are nutrients that help maintain ejaculate volume, in addition to memory function.

Straight from Shasbigh's book, the recipe is as follows:

12 to 16 oz. skim milk

1/4 tsp. zinc sulfate (1/4 tsp. = 50 mg)

1 tsp. grated gingerroot

12 drops ginseng tincture

1 drop (50 mcg) selenium

4 strawberries or 1/2 banana (optional)

1 tsp. choline bitartrate powder (or 1 Tbsp. phosphati­dylcholine powder)

Place all ingredients in the blender. Add two or three ice cubes. Blend for 30 seconds.