Snacking on fruit to kickstart your libido might seem odd. But experts suggest that a certain berry could be the key to heating things up in the bedroom – and it’s likely already sitting in your fruit bowl.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have pinpointed strawberries as the sex drive booster, attributing their high vitamin C content with a possible link to an increased sexual appetite. Though, further research is necessary to know for sure.
“Strawberries are high in vitamin C, a vitamin that might boost libido,” Penn Medicine wrote in a blog. “This healthy vitamin can also provide an ‘indirect’ benefit to a man’s sex life: Studies suggest that vitamin C, when ingested as food (not supplements), protects men against prostate cancer.”
The sentiments from the US-based team are also echoed by others. An academic review from 2013 recognised the traditional belief of ‘aphrodisiacs’ – substances thought to enhance sexual performance or desire.
The review mentioned strawberries along with chocolate, honey, and even raw oysters as having ‘aphrodisiac potential’, despite admitting there is ‘no or little scientific confirmation supporting those assertions’. “Aphrodisiacs can be classified by their mode of action into three types: Those that increase libido, potency, or sexual pleasure,” authors explained at the time.
“Various substances of animal and plant origin have been used in folk medicines of different cultures to energise, vitalise and improve sexual function, and physical performance in men, out of these very few have been identified pharmacologically.”
Aside from strawberries, other experts have drawn connections between drinking coffee and a potential uptick in sexual arousal or even orgasms. Yet, Sarah Mulindwa, sexual health expert at Lovehoney, previously told The Mirror that it’s more a ‘viral fad than proven fact’.
“There’s some scientific evidence that could suggest coffee, or rather caffeine in any form, can improve your sex life,” she said. “However, the idea that coffee can boost orgasms mostly falls into the category of a viral fad rather than a proven fact, since the connection between coffee and improved orgasms is not yet proven in research.
“Although caffeine often gets a bad rep, it can help increase your level of alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve concentration, all of which in turn could indirectly improve your sex life… Sleep deprivation and fatigue are also linked with reduced sexual desire and/or arousal, so combatting this could help with your orgasms.
“However, the psychological aspect of orgasms is a lot more complex than simply being more alert, so having a coffee beforehand alone, sadly, isn’t going to guarantee you get there.”
Sarah noted that everyone’s experience of orgasm is unique and can be influenced by a multitude of factors, including physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as the dynamics of their relationship.
She added: “While a cup of coffee might be helpful for some, and endorsed by some on social media, excessive caffeine can lead to jitters, anxiety, and disrupted sleep, all of which can negatively impact sexual health, so go steady with it if you’re going to give this one a try.”