The compound is called resveratrol, and it can indeed be taken via herbal supplements or multivitamins. Its most recent appearance in the national news was by way of a study published in the FASEB Journal, which suggested that resveratrol may preserve breast health.

Researchers at Italy's University of Calabria announced that the antioxidants found in red wine appear to slow the production of estrogen within certain breast cells, which they concluded may prevent the rapid growth of such tissues.

However, simply drinking more red wine may not be a healthy choice, since increased alcohol consumption is associated with plenty of illnesses and chronic conditions. Instead, women who want to derive all the value of a glass of Merlot without consuming alcohol may consider trying dietary supplements or daily multivitamins.

Likewise, eating purple- or red-skinned fruits can increase one's intake of resveratrol, as well as of many other important vitamins and minerals.

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine came to this tentative conclusion after noticing that fruit flies put on abnormal daily sleeping and eating schedules tended to produce fewer offspring.

These results, which appeared in the journal Cell Metabolism, were not conclusive in regard to humans but pointed to the potential for circadian rhythms to disrupt a woman's fertility cycle.

The team noted that one's daily schedule affects sleep, eating habits, stress levels, metabolism and body temperature. Many of these factors have previously been connected to fertility.

Feeding flies at two unusual times of day discouraged the production of eggs and seemed to disrupt the expression of DNA related to the body's internal clock, scientists concluded.

Besides getting plenty of sleep and eating healthy meals, women who are or may become pregnant may consider taking dietary supplements containing folate, a nutrient also known as vitamin B9, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A study published in the journal Reproductive Health found that women given 1 or 2 grams (g) of certain fatty acids each day experienced fewer PMS symptoms, including less irritability and fewer aches.

All of the acids given to participants were polyunsaturated, which are flexible molecules that do not stick to the walls of veins and arteries. These included vitamin E, gamma linolenic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid.

While these molecules may be found in some foods, like olive oil and certain types of produce, it is not always easy to get a consistent daily dose of them. Taking flaxseed oil, fish oil or nutritional supplements can ensure that one's body has ample amounts of healthy fatty acids.

The study's authors concluded that such a regimen may be able to boost individual wellness and improve quality of life. Additionally, pH balance supplements may contribute to improved mood and overall bodily health.

Oysters and chocolate received top billing. These foods have been cited for centuries as being good for a passionate relationship. The news source said that consuming chocolate can trigger the release of pleasure hormones called endorphins in the brain.

And oysters? According to Self Nutrition Data, they are an excellent source of iron, zinc and vitamin B12.

Other foods that made the list include bananas, avocados, asparagus and almonds, each of which contains vital nutrients essential for good heart health and energy.
Studies have shown that certain naturally derived products may help increase libido. Research published in the journal Sex and Marital Therapy indicated that gingko biloba extract may have a positive effect on arousal. Likewise, ginseng may have similar properties, the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences reported.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that taking a daily dose of vitamin B—often in the form of spinach or cereals fortified with the nutrient—can reduce the achiness and moodiness associated with the condition.

Two forms of the vitamin in particular, thiamine and riboflavin—also known as vitamins B1 and B2—appeared to help the most. Researchers noted that women who reported consuming at least 2 milligrams (mg) of thiamine and 2.5 mg of riboflavin were less likely to experience severe PMS.

The team theorized that the effect was due to vitamin B complex's role in neurotransmitters that may be involved in the appearance of PMS.

B vitamins are necessary for countless bodily processes. The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that B vitamins help the body grow, regulate its cell functions and produce a whole host of vital enzymes. Taking a vitamin supplement may keep levels of this nutrient within a healthy range.

The antiviral properties of the herb may make it an effective treatment for oral and genital herpes, according to a study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.

An international team of scientists came to this conclusion after breaking down the plant's extracts an analyzing each separated compound for its ability to fight viral infections.

Two in particular, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and axillarin, showed the most promise as effective antiviral agents.

The study focused on tansy's roots and aerial stalks, which have already seen centuries of use as part of natural insect repellents and insecticides.

Its authors concluded that tansy may one day play in integral role in all-natural therapies for herpes lesions.

In the U.S., genital herpes is relatively widespread. An estimated one in every six Americans between the ages of 14 and 49 has the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a study published in the journal Reproductive Biomedicine Online, a team of Dutch biologists determined that potential mothers who consume magnesium- and calcium rich foods, like vegetables, may have a much higher likelihood of having a girl.

Among 32 women who ate plenty of green vegetables starting nine weeks before pregnancy, 80 percent went on to conceive a daughter. Virtually none of the women had previously conceived a girl before.

These women were also given vitamin supplements containing the calcium and magnesium and were coached on "maternal timing," or conceiving during peak fertility.

The study's authors wrote that they expect to test the theory that foods rich in potassium, like bananas, may increase the chances of conceiving boys.

When unrelated to pregnancy, eating primarily vegetables and fruits can be a part of a healthy eating plan. Substituting produce for processed foods can contribute to good cardiovascular health, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those who completed the questionnaire explained their sexual experiences after approximately two years after they were diagnosed and had completed their chemotherapy treatment.

According to the survey results, more than 80 percent of the participants stated their sex life was good prior to developing breast cancer. However, approximately 70 percent of women aged 70 and younger who were cancer-free stated that sex wasn't as satisfying, and they experienced sexual function problems.

The researchers discovered that the most common reasons for issues concerning sex were caused by body image insecurities and patients who had already gone through menopause. Furthermore, if women were taking hormone replacement supplements, which can prevent the disease from returning, the prescriptions could alter their interest in sex.

Mary Panjari, lead-author of the study, stated that "women who have been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer still require support to maintain health and well-being after breast cancer." She concluded that "as women now remain on [hormone replacement treatments] for longer periods, sexual function problems are likely to become more common amongst breast cancer survivors."

In 2006, a total of 191,410 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, of this group, more than 40,000 patients died from the disease, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

According to researchers from Ohio State University, most women who are scheduled to have gynecological surgery to treat noncancerous symptoms do not think about the repercussions the procedure could have on their sex life.

The researchers were surprised to find that approximately 37 percent of respondents who were planning to be sterilized did express concern that they may lose their sexual desire even though the treatment does not affect hormone levels.

"Most women were not very concerned, and among any women who do have these worries, I think we can reassure them that they don’t necessarily have to fear a detriment to sexual function," said senior author of the study, Jonathan Schaffir.

For women who do experience a low libido, there are some alternative treatments they can try to boost their sexual desire. Some physicians feel that nutritional supplements that feature gingko may help boost libido, according to ABC News.

A new study has found that low sexual desire may be directly linked to an associated distress in a woman’s life, according to recent findings presented at the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH) 2010 Annual Meeting in St. Petersburg, Florida.

The study examined 65,129 women between the ages of 18-88 and found that the majority of women who were experiencing low sexual desire was a result of their emotional distress rather than a physical trauma.

Of the women who reported having low sexual desires, the respondents indicated they were experiencing dissatisfaction with their sex life, guilt about difficulties during the act and distress about the state of their love life.

"Many of the women I see with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) experience a high level of guilt and feelings of confusion," said Sheryl Kingsberg, Ph.D., President of ISSWSH, Chief of Behavioral Medicine at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. "They also complain about the distance they feel between themselves and their partner."