Strawberries are a sexy fruit! Ya, I said it. And few would dispute that. After all, we’ve been bombarded with sexy leading ladies on the silver screen sipping on champagne and eating strawberries - think Julia Roberts in a bubble-filled tub in the film, Pretty Woman. And then there are the Valentine’s Day marketing ads featuring the seduction of chocolate-dipped strawberries. That sounds sexy, doesn’t it? But is there any real science behind this sexy fruit? Any real truth to the thought that strawberries might improve your sex life? The answer is a resounding yes!
Strawberries contain high levels of zinc. It’s actually the seeds that contain the zinc, but unlike most fruit, we consume strawberry seeds. Zinc helps improve our sex lives in many ways. It’s the nutrient that governs testosterone, which sperm production depends upon. Testosterone is the driving force (so to speak) in a man’s sexual function. Decreases in testosterone can lead to decreased sexual activity (and desire!) for men. Furthermore, when women consume foods high in zinc, there is a notable increase in vaginal lubrication, which helps prepare a woman’s body for sex.
Strawberries are incredibly high in antioxidants. Antioxidants play a crucial role in supporting sexual health and fertility because they help optimize blood flow to the sex organs. Optimal blood flow to sex organs is essential for obvious reasons. Blood flow is key, folks!
When compared to other fruits, strawberries, which are relatively low in calories, have a very low glycemic value, meaning they provide sustained energy without the sugar crash. Sex is like exercise, so sustained energy is important.
Strawberries are high in vitamin C, which improves your sex life in many ways. High levels of vitamin C have been associated with increased libido in both men and women. In addition, vitamin C helps protect men against prostate cancer. Many studies suggest that one of the reasons behind a man’s decrease in his ability to achieve and sustain an erection, with age, is prostate health.
Strawberries are packed with folic acid, a B-vitamin which aids in fertility health. Women who eat a diet rich in folic acid have a decreased risk of birth defects in their offspring. Folic acid is also used to create sperm in men.
Strawberries increase libido. In addition to all of the benefits from zinc, vitamin C, and folic acid described above, these effects combine to make strawberries an aphrodisiac.
Strawberries are sexy! When we see people eating strawberries in movies, often accompanied with a glass of champagne in some romantic setting, we are conditioned to think about sex. When we think about chocolate-covered strawberries or strawberries and whipped cream, our minds often wander (if only for a second) to some titillating thought. This happens before the nutrients contained in that strawberry ever hit our bloodstream that leads to our sex organs. And sometimes just the idea of sex is enough to get our motors revving. Vroom!
So there you have it - seven ways strawberries improve your sex life. I bet you’ll think twice about passing them by in your local supermarket. Or at least it will be hard to pass by them without at least a little bit of a “naughty” thought.
Holistic Nutritionist and Health Coach Darnell Cox is the voice for women 40+ and has spent years studying fitness and skincare. She runs the popular youtube channel and blog Live Young Lifestyle where she shares her advice on attacking the aging process from every angle.