Hold the oysters, champagne and chocolate when trying to up the ante with your partner and fry up some Tofu instead, with new research suggesting this vegan staple could be an aphrodisiac.
A new study has revealed that those who consume tofu and other plant-based foods could enjoy a better sex-life than their carnivore counterparts. The reason? Certain plant products can influence hormone levels and heighten sexual activity.
The results came after scientists studied a group of red colobus monkeys in Uganda to observe the connection between plant-based estrongenic compounds (or phytoestrogen) and wild primates.
They found the monkeys who dined on the leaves of Millettia dura, a tropical tree containing phytoestrogen, had altered hormone levels, which led to more acts of sex.
As primates, we humans would likely experience similar effects from the compounds, especially seeing the tree the animals dined on is a close relative of soy.
"With all of the concern today about phytoestrogen intake by humans through soy products, it is very useful to find out more about the exposure to such compounds in living primates and, by analogy, human ancestors," said study co-author Katharine Milton, professor in UC Berkeley's Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management and an expert on the dietary ecology of primates.
But before you start stocking up on soy-based products; going on a tofu binge is not going to have the same effect as say Viagra,with the authors pointing out that multiple factors influence primate hormone levels and behaviour.
The study also revealed the primates' own endogenous hormone levels were the stronger predictor of certain behaviours, while phytoestrogens played a secondary role.
A good source of iron and omega-3,as well as helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with menopause, tofu has a multitude of health benefits. And with the possibility of hot sex being added to that list maybe you should consider adding it to your stir fry tonight?
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