The study, which was published in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, involved a group of doctors in Trento, Italy, who observed 731 healthy and sexually active Italian women.
The participants, who didn't report any sexual disorders, were aged 18 to 43. Each woman answered the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire, which is designed to assess certain aspects of sexual functioning (like orgasm, pain, satisfaction, and sexual arousal) in clinical trials. The participants also told the researchers about their daily apple consumption and their eating habits.
Based on their apple-eating habits, the women were separated into two groups. The first group ate at least one apple daily while the second group didn't eat apples regularly.
The researchers said that the women who ate an apple every day had significantly higher scores on the FSFI sexual function index. The authors also referenced other studies that have identified a strong link between antioxidants, phytoestrogens, polyphenols, and women's sexual health. Apples are full of the three previously mentioned substances.
Both antioxidants and polyphenols can help reduce inflammation and boost blood circulation. Meanwhile, phytoestrogens are weak plant compounds that have an estrogenic effect on the body.
Chocolates, red wine, and women's health
In an earlier study, a team of Italian researchers also discovered that drinking a glass or two of red wine daily can also function as an aphrodisiac.
For this study, researchers observed 798 healthy women from the Chianti area of Tuscany. The participants, who were aged 18 to 50 years old, were divided into three groups. The first group included women who didn't drink alcohol, the second group had moderate drinkers who averaged one to two glasses of red wine a day, while the third group was made up of occasional drinkers who had more than two glasses of red wine or other alcohol daily.
The study results showed that the moderate red wine drinkers had significantly better sexual function compared to the other groups. The second group of women had higher scores on the FSFI questionnaire for lubrication, sexual desire, and overall sexual function compared to the other two groups.
Red wine is also full of antioxidants and polyphenols. Additionally, it has a high concentration of resveratrol, a form of estrogen. (Related: Aloe vera is a gentle aphrodisiac that enhances libido.)
In a third study, scientists gathered data from 153 women in Milan about sex and chocolate. Data from the study determined that women who consumed chocolate daily had significantly higher total FSFI scores. The women also had higher scores on sexual desire.
Chocolate is also rich antioxidants, phytoestrogens, and polyphenols. Additionally, chocolate is full of magnesium that soothes nerves and relaxes muscles. The sweet treat also has phenylethylamine, a compound that releases the same endorphins which flood the body during sexual intercourse.
Fast facts on apples
Sweet and crunchy apples are full of crucial antioxidants, dietary fiber, and flavonoids. The antioxidants and phytonutrients in apples can help lower the risk of developing cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
Apples also contain the following nutrients:
- B-complex vitamins (e.g., riboflavin, thiamin, and vitamin B-6) – These vitamins help maintain the overall health of red blood cells and the nervous system.
- Dietary fiber – According to the National Health Service, a fiber-rich diet can help prevent certain diseases. Fiber can also help control the amount of bad cholesterol in your blood.
- Minerals – Apples contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- Phytonutrients – Apples are full of polyphenolic compounds that can help protect the body from free radical damage.
- Vitamin C – This vitamin is a potent natural antioxidant that can also protect you from free radical damage. Vitamin C can also strengthen the body's resistance against infectious agents, per the University of Maryland Medical Center.
You can read more articles about apples, chocolate, red wine, and other natural aphrodisiacs for women at WomensHealth.news.
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