Can your diet affect the way women sexually function?

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 and obesity can result in Female Sexual Dysfunction

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.

Eating Disorders and Sexual Dysfunction

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.

Special Diets that evidently affect female sexuality in a positive

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.

Foods that are reported to have an impact on female sexual 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 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.