A 2019 research by Towe et al., discovered that some
medical problems including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and eating disorders
produce an impact on female sexuality. The investigation also
observed evidence that by adopting healthy dietary patterns one can positively
enhance female sexuality.
Metabolic Syndrome is a bunch of health conditions that
raise the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome
comprises high blood sugar, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels,
and excessive body fat on the waist. The syndrome doubles a person's chance of getting
a heart attack and stroke. People with Metabolic Syndrome often have bodies
that are apple or pear-shaped.
Additionally to increased risk for heart disease, and
diabetes, metabolic syndrome can alter the functioning of endothelial cells.
These cells help the body produce vaginal lubrication. Investigations have also
discovered that Metabolic Syndrome can cause female sexual dysfunction by
reducing sexual activity, sexual desire, and
fulfillment.
Obesity is a part of Metabolic Syndrome and has been
associated with lowered female sexual function in different studies like Aversa
2013 wherein the investigation affirmed that holistic interference for obesity
leads to an escalation in female sexual function as estimated by sexual desire,
vaginal lubrication, arousal, orgasm, lack of pain, and satisfaction.
Studies have uncovered that eating disorders like anorexia
and bulimia can negatively influence sexual function.
Bulimic people tend to be more unpredictable and involve
in higher-risk sexual acts. On the other hand, while people having anorexia
state decreased arousal, vaginal lubrication, diminished orgasmic
function, and additional influences on the menstrual cycle.
The Mediterranean diet has proved in some
investigations to promote female sexual function, particularly in women who
have obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes.
In Esposito’s study conducted in 2007, subjects were
demanded to stick to a Mediterranean diet for 2 years following the mentioned
guidelines:
Diets comprised:
● 50-60% complex carbohydrates
● 15-20% of proteins
● less than 10% saturated fats
Subjects ate 250–300 g of fruits at least, 125–150 g
vegetables, and 25–50 g nuts every day. Added guidelines involved increased
consumption of olive oil and taking 400 g of whole grains every day (legumes,
corn, rice, and wheat). Women were further recommended to raise the intake of
fish and decrease the consumption of processed meat and red meat.
By the end of the 24-month trial, those following the
Mediterranean diet in the Esposito study reported better sexual function in the
areas of sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain.
As defined by the National Cancer Institute the Ketogenic
diet is a “diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates (sugars) that causes the
body to break down fat into molecules called ketones. Ketones circulate in the
blood and become the main source of energy for many cells in the body.”
In 2018 Castro studied, women who were put on a
low-calorie ketogenic diet for almost 4 months claimed improved sexual function
especially arousal and lubrication. The research also confirmed that some women
also reported enhanced orgasmic function.
While not supported by much scientific evidence, certain
foods and herbs have been historically used to boost libido. People who have
tried, swear by them. Also, you probably already have several in your kitchen,
which makes it easy to try them.
● Apples
Consider it or not, apples are able to produce a positive
influence on sex drive. One research discovered that
women who ate an apple a day had a better sex life than those who didn't.
While this seems encouraging, this research only hints
association between apple intake and sexual health. It’s not completely clear if
consuming apples affect sexual function directly. Also, there are no additional
major investigations on whether they might increase libido.
● Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a herb that we use both in making dishes and
as a supplementary food. Some investigation proposes it might help raise
libido. A study found out that fenugreek might be an efficient treatment to
improve female sex drive. But, the maximum of modern fenugreek research
comprises male sexual health.
● Chocolate
Chocolate is a commonly recommended aphrodisiac. However,
despite its popularity, a 2006 study concluded that chocolate consumption
didn’t have a significant difference in the female sex drive.
● Coffee
Some suggest that coffee is an aphrodisiac. But coffee can
help better the mood, there’s no direct link to confirm this claim.
● Honey
While honey is a reliable source of antioxidants and has
been claimed by many to boost sex drive but there’s no scientific proof that
proposes it boosts libido.
● Strawberries
Strawberries are also a popular choice that some people
swear by, in spite of a lack of evidence.
● Raw oysters
Males and females equally have stated an increased sex
drive following the consumption of raw oysters. However, no evidence is present to
confirm these claims.
● Capsaicin
The active ingredient of chili peppers - capsaicin,
appears to have many health benefits, such as improved female sexual function.
Reference article link:
https://vocal.media/filthy/can-your-diet-affect-the-way-women-sexually-function
