We’ve heard that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but for women an apple a day may bring something oh so much better. According to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, women who eat apples on a regular basis may experience a better quality sex life, including higher levels of arousal and satisfaction.
Researchers analyzed 731 sexually-active Italian women aged 18 to 43 with no history of sexual problems over the course of seven months. To achieve an accurate study, the women were separated into two groups: those who ate one to two apples a day and those who ate none. They were then asked to fill out a Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), comprised of 19 questions about sexual function, sexual frequency, orgasm, lubrication, pain and overall sexual satisfaction. The 343 women in Group A who reported daily apple consumption, scored higher on their FSFI than the 388 non apple eaters in Group B. The women of Group A also reported higher lubrication rates and overall sexual function in their sex lives.
Researchers found that apples may improve sexual function due to antioxidants that can stimulate blood flow to the genitalia and vagina. The fruit may also be structurally similar to the female sex hormone estradiol, which plays a role in lubrication and arousal. Apples also have similar benefits to red wine and chocolate, except they are better for you.
Of course, researchers noted the sample size is limited and other factors may have played a factor in the women’s sexual lives besides the apples. Still the study is promising for many women who experience lowered libido and would prefer holistic treatment.