STRAWBERRIES HELP LOVERS GET FRUITY, SAY SCIENTISTS
Madeline Brindley

Strawberries and raspberries are the quintessential summer fruits – nut new research has discovered that they are also bursting with sex appeal. Just a handful of the natural aphrodisiac can help to boost the sex drive, Patrick Holford said.

The high zinc content is believed to be responsible for their role in boosting sexual prowess and performance.

But one of Wales’ leading fruit growers said it was blueberries, not strawberries and raspberries which are regarded as nature’s Viagra.
And Charles George who runs the fruit garden in Peterson-super-Ely, said most people are attracted to strawberries and raspberries not because of their beneficial health properties, but because of their taste.

Mr Holford, the founder of the Institute for Optimum Nutrition said strawberries and raspberries have high levels of zinc in their seeds, which unlike many other fruits are eaten and not removed.

Zinc he said, is the nutrient most associated with sex, not least because it governs testosterone, which is needed for sperm production.
A man can deplete his body’s entire zinc supply if he has sex three times in 24 hours according to Mr. Holford, whose London-based charity was established in 1984 to study and research nutrition.

And a woman’s body apparently prepares itself for sex more quickly if zinc levels are high. Mr Holford said, “My message is simple….every time you have sex, or simply want to ready yourself or your partner for sex, you should consume a handful of raspberries or strawberries. “And it is not just the zinc content of the berries which is beneficial in the bedroom.

“They are incredibly high in antioxidants which helps to optimise blood flow to the sex organs and they have the lowest glycaemic load of any fruit, meaning they provide sustained energy levels at only a few calories”.

Mr George, who has been growing strawberries and raspberries for 25 years, said the acid and fibre content of these fruit were also beneficial.
Strawberries he said, tend to be favoured by people in the C and D socioeconomic groups whereas raspberries are more popular among A and B groups.

“The blueberry crop is becoming increasingly known as Nature’s Viagra”. Said Mr George, who grows
18 different varieties of strawberries.
“If you eat 150g of blueberries you would be worth knowing.
”But I think an awful lot of people just want a red berry and the more discerning people go for flavour above anything else”
Charles’ daughter, Lucy George, who now owns and manages the Fruit Garden, said. ”Strawberries and raspberries are known as one of the foods of love because they are red and because of their shape but I do knot think we have been aware of why they are associated.

“Generally people will buy them because they like strawberries and raspberries – they are a healthy fruit that you can pick yourself or easily buy.”

• British strawberries and raspberries will be available in shops from June to November.

• Strawberries were cultivated by the Romans as early as 200BC.

• In medieval times they were regarded as an aphrodisiac and soup made of strawberries, borage and sour cream was traditionally served to newly-weds at  their wedding breakfast.

• In the 16th Century strawberries were sold in cone-shaped straw baskets making them one of the earliest packaged foods.

• Almost 80% of the fruit found in supermarkets during the main British season will be Elsanta variety.

• 100g strawberries (about 10 strawberries) contains 27 calories.

• Raspberries probably originated in Eastern Asia but it was not until the 17th Century that the fruit became popular.

• By the 18th Century cookery writers were devising recipes using the fruit for raspberry wine and vinegar, sweets and jams.

• 60g of raspberries (about 15 raspberries) contain 24 calories

May 25th 2004