Long before there was Viagra (sildenafil) for men or Addyi (flibanserin) for women, healers around the world were seeking ways to enhance human sexuality. That often meant special foods or spices such as oysters, chocolate, asparagus, ginseng, cinnamon, or chili peppers. We can’t offer an opinion about such foods, but we can share with you the results of a new Italian study (Nutrients, Oct. 6, 2024) that suggests the Mediterranean Diet (MD) could boost both men’s and women’s sex drive, especially if they were dealing with metabolic syndrome (MS).
What Is Metabolic Syndrome and How Does It Affect Sex Drive?
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of NIH, metabolic syndrome is a constellation of conditions that increase the risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. They include:
- High blood pressure
- Big belly (“abdominal adiposity”)
- High blood sugar (glucose) levels
- Elevated triglycerides
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
It is estimated that almost one-third of the world’s population is now suffering from MS (metabolic syndrome). That number is expected to climb to more than 50% over the next two decades.
Metabolic syndrome has also been linked to decreased libido, hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction in men (Current Opinion in Urology, Sept. 2017).
A review of metabolic syndrome in women (Current Urology, March 8, 2018) reported that:
“Women with metabolic syndrome showed higher prevalence of sexual inactivity and low sexual desire, orgasm and satisfaction respect to women without metabolic syndrome.”
The Mediterranean Diet and Sex Drive:
MS (Metabolic Syndrome) is BAD for Sex!
According to the Italian researchers writing in Nutrients (Oct. 6, 2024):
“Among others, sexual dysfunctions should be mentioned as one of the most impactful negative effects of MS on human health status. Male and female sexual dysfunctions are widespread, affecting 52% of men over 40 years of age and up to 75% of women aged 40–50 years. Although MS and sexual dysfunction can occur independently, they are frequently interconnected, and both significantly influence individuals’ quality of life. As the global incidence of MS increases, many more individuals may experience various degrees and types of sexual impairment in future years.”
MD (Mediterranean Diet) to the Rescue:
The Italian researchers point out that:
“Sexual function is an essential aspect of overall well-being, with significant influences from lifestyle, diet, stress, and medical conditions. The WHO emphasizes that sexual health is ‘a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality’ and not ‘merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity.’ Multiple factors can deteriorate sexual function, such as partner and relationship issues and psychological problems, but medical issues surely play a significant role…During the last decades, research has increasingly focused on the role of diet, particularly the MD, in modulating sexual function due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilatory properties.”
They go on to add this about the Mediterranean Diet:
“The MD is rich in vegetables, fruits, and cereals, which carry plenty of antioxidants and fiber that might help mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress.
“The available evidence suggests that adhering to the MD will enhance sexual function in MS patients, both male and female.”
You can read more about the Mediterranean Diet at these links:
How to Stay Healthy with a Mediterranean Diet:
Following a Mediterranean diet with lots of veggies, fruit and fish can help reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and breast cancer
Mediterranean Diet vs Metabolic Syndrome
The Mediterranean diet is not the only one that can reduce the likelihood of metabolic syndrome.
Another Way to Improve Sex Drive Without Drugs:
Another group of Italian researchers have found a different way to improve male libido without drugs. Although popular stereotypes have pegged low libido primarily on women, many men also suffer from this problem. These scientists appear to have figured out a safe way to boost men’s sex drive for these individuals.
Seasonal Changes in Testosterone:
The investigators noted that testosterone levels tend to rise in the summer and decrease in the winter. Sexual interest and activity seem to follow suit. They hypothesized that testosterone levels might be sensitive to bright light exposure.
The Light Box Experiment:
The researchers recruited 38 Italian men with low sex drive. They exposed half of the subjects to 30 minutes of bright light from a special light box early in the morning. The other half received low levels of light as a control.
Those who had two weeks of bright light exposure every day experienced a 50 percent increase in testosterone levels and a tripling of sexual satisfaction. Those in the control group saw no improvement. There probably should be further studies to confirm that using a light box (or taking an early-morning walk outside) can improve men’s sex drive.
Annual Meeting of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology, in Vienna, Austria
Testosterone Responds to Diet:
Previous studies have shown that men can boost their testosterone by paying attention to their diet. We discussed this approach with John La Puma, MD, author of Refuel: A 24-Day Eating Plan to Shed Fat, Boost Testosterone, and Pump Up Strength and Stamina.
