It has long been said that eating an apple a day will keep the doctor away; but who knew the fruit could also double up as an aphrodisiac.

In the recent study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, researchers found regular daily apple consumption could boost sexual pleasure in women. Researchers at Santa Chiara Regional Hospital in Trento, Italy believe that the more apples women consume, the higher the level of lubrication and sexual function – a measure which takes into account overall satisfaction with sex.

It turns out that apples, like chocolate a known aphrodisiac, also contains phytoestrogens, polyphenols and antioxidants, which help to stimulate blood flow to the women’s genitalia, assisting with arousal.

Researchers believe that the higher level of lubrication and sexual function is a measure which takes into account overall satisfaction with sex.

In the study, 731 sexually active women participated. Researchers found that eating an apple a day was linked with higher Female Sexual Function Index scores, suggesting the consumption increased their sexual pleasure.

Journal source: Apple consumption is related to better sexual quality of life in young women. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014 Jul;290(1):93-8.