Happy V-Day, folks.
As a health-conscious home cook, I’ve made my fair share of attempts at plant-based eating. All of them, it should be noted, went down in flames. First there was the time I bragged to my friend about my newfound vegan ways while devouring a caprese sandwich. Then more recently there was my new year’s resolution to eat vegan for a month that ended, tragically, with a stack of chicken nuggets I’d air-fried to crispy perfection. Tell me, your honor: Who am I to resist?
While a lack of long-term motivation has been my fatal flaw time and again, I stand before you today — hat in hand, truly humbled — with evidence that may finally compel me to abandon my omnivore ways, which is: Plant-based lovers are having better sex than me.
"With all the health benefits of plant-based diets — from heart health to cognitive functioning — it’s no surprise that the perks also pay off in the bedroom,” says Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, PhD and sex and relationship expert who’s more commonly known as Dr. Jess. “Research shows that plant-based foods are associated with enhanced circulation, boosted mood, more energy, and even enhanced erectile function (don’t forget that clitorises get erections too!) — all of which can add up to better sex."
If you, like me, suddenly feel the urge to make the switch to plant-based before your Valentine’s Day festivities, I have two recommendations. First, give yourself time to discover new foods you enjoy, since it’s way more likely you’ll stick with your new lifestyle if you actually like what you’re eating. (Foods like JUST Egg or JUST Egg Folded, for example, are fluffy, plant-based swaps for traditional eggs.) And second, keep reading to learn even more research-backed reasons why a plant-based diet can improve your sex life.
Not only will switching to a plant-based diet give you more excitement between the sheets, but Dr. Jess says studies have found that eating plant-based foods is also associated with higher energy levels, boosted mood, lower levels of stress, and less anxiety — all of which can contribute to a boost in libido and a more positive connection to your body. “When you feel more connected to you body, you’re more likely to be present and mindful during sex, which can lead to heightened sensation, a more meaningful connection with a partner (or yourself) and more intense pleasure."
A recently published study of men found that participants who ate a “healthful plant-based diet” had a lesser chance of experiencing erectile dysfunction, and Dr. Jess wasn’t so surprised. “This may be related to cardiovascular benefits associated with plant-based foods like spinach, avocados, and mung beans — which happen to be the main ingredient in JUST Egg,” she says.
Yes, it’s possible. According to data from a survey of 5,000 plant-based eaters, 67% of respondents reported experiencing a “noticeable” uptick in their sexual enjoyment after committing to a vegan diet. And not for nothing, a separate study found that plant-based eating can go a long way in setting endurance athletes up for success. More time and more fun? I’m listening...
Want to put your new knowledge to the test? Start by entering JUST Egg’s Valentine’s Day giveaway, which is gifting a handful of lucky winners a deluxe stay (valued at over $2,000) at Arlo Midtown, Arlo Hotels’ newest addition to the portfolio located in the heart of Midtown, New York City. But hurry, because you only have between 10 a.m. PST on February 7, 2022 and 10 a.m. PST on February 15, 2022 to enter for your own night (and morning after) to remember.
