It’s been said that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but new research suggests it can do a lot more than that.
A new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics suggests that eating more apples leads to better sex for women.
Researchers analyzed 731 sexually active Italian women aged 18 to 43 with no history or complaint of sexual disorder. Women taking prescription drugs or suffering from depression were excluded from the study as well.
Participants were separated into two groups: regular apple consumption (one to two apples a day) and no apple consumption (0 to 0.5 apples per day). The women then filled out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which is comprised of 19 questions about sexual function, sexual frequency, orgasm, lubrication and overall sexual satisfaction.
Researchers found that “daily apple use is associated with higher FSFI scores in sexually active female patients, thus increasing their lubrication and overall sexual function.”
So why apples?
The researchers hypothesize that apples may improve sexual function because, like red wine and chocolate, they contain polyphenols and antioxidants that can stimulate blood flow to the genitalia and vagina, thus helping with arousal.
Not only that, researchers says apples contain phloridzin, a common phytoestrogen that is structurally similar to estradiol — a female sex hormone — and plays a huge role in vaginal lubrication and female sexuality.
Of course, the study has its limitations. It’s a relatively small sample size and it’s difficult to separate correlation from causation. However, the researchers note the results are “intriguing,” to say the least.
Now excuse us while we go eat some apples.
