Passion In A Cup

A recent report published in the journal Environmental Nutrition, which reviewed several studies on caffeine, found that because it increases blood flow, drinking coffee with caffeine has been linked to reducing the risk for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and even diabetes in some people. Now a new study shows that it might help your sex life, too.

In the new study, published in the journal Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, researchers gave 108 female rats various doses of caffeinated coffee 30 minutes before mating. They found that the rats that got the equivalent of about one cup of coffee returned to the males for more loving after their initial opportunity—sooner than those given more or less caffeine. They concluded that drinking caffeinated coffee might put humans “in the mood” more often.

However, the researchers don’t know if coffee will have the same effect once your body gets used to the caffeine. If you drink a cup of coffee only once a week or so, it could put you in the mood for love—but if you drink coffee on a regular basis it might not have the same effect. More studies need to be conducted on humans to find out.

In addition, some scientists believe because coffee and conversation go hand in hand, if you have a cup with just the right person, the interaction could put you in the mood anyway.

All the studies on the benefits of caffeine have shown that it’s best in moderation, which is generally considered no more than two to three cups a day. This study on improving passion recommends just one cup a day (no more than 8 oz.).