Experts claim a plant-based date could be good for your love life, with health benefits that you could see in the bedroom.
Plant-based brand, Future Farm has teamed up with sexpert Annabelle Knight and Harley Street nutritionist Lily Soutter to offer their tips on how going meat-free this V-Day could give your love life a lift.
Pedro Zuim, Marketing Director at Future Farm, said: “As a producer of plant-based products we’ve always advocated the health benefits of going meat-free. However, the perks to both performance and pleasure in the bedroom are often overlooked and seen as taboo.
“To address this issue and highlight the positives of trying plant-based foods we enlisted the help of sex and relationship expert, Annabelle Knight, and Harley Street nutritionist, Lily Soutter. Both of whom are helping to dispel any myths about going meat-free and provide practical advice for those looking to experiment in the kitchen – and the bedroom.”
1. You’ll last longer in bed
Sex and relationships expert Annabelle Knight has been vegan for six months. She said: "Research has shown that living a plant-based life helps to improve athletic endurance, (well, if it’s good enough for Venus Williams, David Haye and Lewis Hamilton!) Why? Well, a plant-based diet helps to promote better cardiovascular health and reduces blood pressure, which, when taken into the bedroom means you could look forward to a longer-lasting, more pleasurable sexual encounter – which can also lead to higher levels of self-confidence and a happier and healthier relationship."
2. Things could be looking up Nutritionist Lily Soutter has extensive knowledge of the science of food and how this fuels a healthy lifestyle and said: "The Mediterranean diet has long been known to support a healthy heart, but research has also shown these benefits may extend to sexual health – reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction and preserving sexual function. So, by eating less meat, moderate fish and dairy, small amounts of red wine and having an emphasis on plant-based foods, things could certainly be looking up in the bedroom. "
3. Get the blood pumping
Annabelle added: "Eating animal products doesn’t only affect the male cardiovascular system. Arteries are arteries, and decreased blood flow means people with a vagina can be affected too. Ensuring our blood flow is tip top helps us in the bedroom by ensuring those sexy signals from our genitals reach our brain in one piece, which results in better sensation and more pleasure! A plant-based diet means more blood flow to our sexual organs, better signals to the brain, and increased desire and pleasure."
4. Watermelon sugar high
Lily said: "Watermelon has been hailed as nature’s Viagra, but is there any truth to this? Well, watermelon is a source of an amino acid called L-citrulline and the precursor to L-arginine, and studies have shown that L-citrulline may improve symptoms in those with mild erectile dysfunction – and it’s a similar story with L-arginine too. If you’re looking to put it to the test, opt for the orange and yellow varieties, which have slightly higher levels than red watermelon."
5. Plant-based people are more… delicious
Annabelle Knight added: "Switching to a plant-based diet can make you smell and taste better! A study from 2006 on body odour and diet found that people who avoid animal products smell ‘significantly’ better than those that don’t."
6. Consider An Edible Aphrodisiac
Lily said: "Ever wondered if edible aphrodisiacs exist? Maca is a root vegetable historically grown high up in the Andes and has a long history of use as an aphrodisiac. Some evidence suggests that maca root can benefit those with low libido or low sexual desire when taken for at least 3 months. Other clinical trials suggest benefits for increasing sperm count, sperm mobility and sexual function.
*Pregnant or breastfeeding? Please consult your physician prior to taking maca root.
7. You’ll feel like a rock star between the sheets
Annabelle Knight added: "After switching to a vegan diet, you could find yourself feeling like a god or goddess in the bedroom. An amazing study of 5,000 people found that after switching to a plant-based diet, almost 70 percent of participants found themselves feeling a whole lot sexier. This boost led to higher levels of sexual activity, and an overall experience of better sexual performance all round."
8. Bringing you closer together!
Annabelle Knight added: "Learning to cook with plant-based ingredients is a whole new ball game. And thankfully, trying new dishes is something we can all agree is pretty great and something to look forward to. Taking it in turns to cook for one another is an ‘act of service’ and one of the five love languages, meaning it’s great for your relationship.
"ut if acts of service aren’t your thing, then perhaps ‘quality time’ is. Try turning run-of-the-mill dinner time into a date night, by cooking up a storm together. Spending time preparing a meal to share, will undoubtedly help you feel more connected. The kitchen just got a little hotter…!"
9. You’ll feel happier both in and out of the bedroom
Annabelle added: "Happily, one of the best changes you can expect to see after switching to a plant-based diet is an uptick in mood… for the better! A vegan diet can lead to increased serotonin levels, making you feel a whole lot more content and happy. Whether single or in a relationship, this is a benefit we can all enjoy!"
10. Banish the Valentine’s bloat
Lily said: "If you’re prone to bloating and it’s getting in the way of your libido, you may be worried about trying a plant-based diet that is high in fibre and can encourage bloating. However, there are some simple hacks to minimise symptoms. Mindful eating, for example, can be a great way to support healthy digestion and reduce the risk of bloating. Focus on chewing thoroughly, eating slowly, and if possible, eating away from distractions such as laptops, TVs, and phones."
