They are among North America’s native fruits and were originally named “craneberries” by the Pilgrims, who thought the plants’ blossoms resembled the bill of the Sandhill crane.

By the Nineteenth Century, their popularity took off in Europe, with farmers beginning to plant the American fruit throughout Britain and Scandinavia.

Thanks to Ocean Spray, cranberries are now enjoyed year-round in juice blends, the Cape Codder cocktail and, my personal favorite, dried and served like tart raisins. However, they’re better known as an aid in fighting urinary tract infectious than as a tool in amorous pursuits.

But these glistening, red globes are packed with nutrients beneficial to sexual health. For starters, cranberries are rich in Vitamin C, which has been clinically proved to keep sex glands running. It is also a source of Vitamin A, important for reproduction, not to mention the immune system. It aids the circulatory system and is a good source of fiber (great for keeping you long, lean and ready for action).

A relative of the blueberry, cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants. (In a recent study, cranberry juice rated among the five highest juices for antioxidant activity, right up there with grape juice and red wine). To reap the most antioxidant rewards, choose the most ripe berries you can find. A product of the ripening process is something called NNC’s, (nonfluorexcing chlorophyll catabolytes). These NNC’s are powerful antioxidants that protect the plant, (not to mention the human body, once the NNC's are ingested).

Look for the brightest, sexiest red berries and start pumping up your libido with these little rubies of fall.