Recent clinical trials have found that pomegranate juice is effective in reducing the risk of heart disease, lowering blood pressure and treating prostate cancer. Researchers at Mindlab International at the University of Sussex recently uncovered an unexpected health benefit during a study – pomegranate juice also helps increase sex drive in men and women.
The team asked 14 couples to do different tasks after drinking various fruit juices. Some of the activities were erotic such as kissing and others were everyday tasks. Brainwaves, eye movement and skin sensation were all monitored. Couples who drank pomegranate juice were found to have increased levels of sexual interest and kissed each other more passionately than the other participants. Both sexes benefited but the results were more noticeable in the men.
Pomegranates have long been revered as a superfood. They come from Iran and are now grown in various countries year-round. They contain almost half your daily quota of vitamin C, vitamins B5, A and E, potassium and antioxidant polyphenols, plant substances which lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and help reduce the risk of heart disease. They also contain flavenoids, an antioxidant, which can help fight certain types of cancer. Antioxidants also help clean out the arteries, encouraging good blood circulation. This is vital for genital health and enjoyable sex.
How Much Should I Drink?
Try drinking a glass a day for at least a month to see if you notice any effects. If you are cooking for each other you can squeeze in a glass as part of a ‘sexy supper’ of aphrodisiac foods. It’s a fun experiment to do together. To spice up a supper dish sprinkle the white seeds of a whole pomegranate onto a mackerel salad and serve with rice or couscous. It also tastes delicious sprinkled on hummus or muesli. Pomegranates are an ideal winter food and are available all year round.
How To Prepare It
Juice form is the most convenient and easiest method but it's fun to cook with them, too. To prepare pomegranate BBC Good Food magazine suggests cutting it across the middle and holding the seeds over a chopping board or bowl. Use a rolling pin to hit the skin hard as this makes the seeds pop out. The seeds are the only edible part – avoid the pith and skin as they taste bitter.
Click here for more ideas on how to use pomegranates in cooking.
