Shops specializing in beverages and liquids have seen an increased number of customers after announcing that they have products which increase sexual ability.
Specialists warn that these claims only serve the interests of merchants and may in fact pose a health risk to consumers.
Some of these products are called “Local Viagra” because they supposedly contribute to a happy marital life.
Some people have wondered about the absence of control and why the authorities are quiet about the sale of these products.
Dr. Khalid Ali Almadani, vice chairman of the Saudi Society for Food and Nutrition, said there was no scientific basis for these claims.
He said it was well known that many juices and foods are rich in vitamins and minerals but this doesn’t mean they have an effect on sexual performance.
“This phenomenon could be the result of psychological effects and to the promotions and advertising for the products,” he said.
Almadani pointed out that the number of calories in some of the advertised juices give energy, and consumers are deceived into believing that their sexual performance has improved.
“Food is like fuel to humans, and helps them to perform their daily tasks, but treatment shouldn’t be limited to particular meals or drinks,” he said.
Nutritionist Rowaida Idrees said these ideas could be the result of high calories in the products which might contain nuts or honey which some think has a special effect.
She said that this was not the case and it had been proven scientifically not to be.
“We have healthy and unhealthy food and there are certain foods that are suitable for certain diets, but we should not reserve certain foods and juices only for married men,” she said.
Shareef Ghazi, an expert in dealing with infertility, said many foods had a positive effect on general health, “but we are not sure that certain foods have positive effects on sexual ability.”
Many years ago, food suited the requirements of the work environment but now some foods are harmful and their positive effects are mostly psychological.
He confirmed the importance of consuming special juices but they were not a cure for people with low sex drive. Those people should seek help from a specialist since a low sex drive can be due to psychological or physical problems or both.
Shamim, a salesman in a beverage shop, said many young married men buy the juices. They are looking for new products and respond to exciting names.
Abu Mohammad said he prefers the “Local Viagra” drink instead of medication. He said he feels “refreshed” after drinking it.
Psychologist Mohammad Abu Al-Oun said some shops offer juices and meals under the pretext that they increase sexual ability.
“I have checked the ingredients of these juices and found that the ‘Local Viagra’ juice has the same ingredient as other juices,” he said.
There is also the additional problem of people being embarrassed to seek medical help if they feel their sexual drive is low; they prefer to try natural remedies instead.
