healthmedicinet

Apparently, an apple a day keeps a dull sex life at bay. Women who eat at least one apple per day have higher sexual quality of life, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 

Researchers from the Santa Chiara Regional Hospital in Italy recruited 731 pre-menopausal women between the ages of 18 and 43, all of whom had no recent history or complaints of sexual disorder. The participants were split into two groups—apple eaters (who ate one to two apples per day) and non-apple eaters (who ate less than an apple a day). Then all the women completed the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire, which asks 19 questions about desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Get this: Women who ate one or more apple a day had higher sexual function scores, particularly in the lubrication and desire categories. 

Of course, there are many other factors that could be affecting these women’s sex lives—like contraceptive use, physical activity, and dietary habits—but even after the researchers controlled for these variables, the findings remained. Seriously, there is an association between daily apple eating and a great sex life. 

MORE: Would You Do a Juice Cleanse to Boost Your Libido? 

Obviously, this correlation doesn’t necessarily prove causation, but researchers say there are a few reasons why apples may be good for your sex drive. The fruit contains polyphenols and antioxidants, which can stimulate blood flow—aiding in arousal. They also contain phloridzin, a common phytoestrogen that can produce estrogen-life effects, which may play a role in lubrication and sex drive.

MORE: 6 Smart Strategies for When Your Sex Drive Stalls 

Anyone else ready to hit the store and load up on apples? Here are 11 delicious apple recipes to help you get your daily serving of the good stuff. Not an apple fan? Try one of these other seven foods that boost your libido.

MORE: 14 Sexy Tricks to Boost Your Libido