CARNAL NATION

Confirming a fact that Italian men have known for some time, a study led by a team of Italian doctors has concluded that red wine increases womens' sex drive. In a survey of 800 sexually healthy women aged 18 to 50, doctors from the University of Florence found that levels of sexual desire were higher in those who regularly drank red wine.

Women who drank more than two glasses a day were excluded from the study to avoid the possible confounding effects of drunkenness. After completing a 19 question survey on sexual health, red wine drinkers averaged 27.43 points out of a possible 36, when others scored 25.9 and non-drinkers 24.4.

The researchers, who reported their findings in the Journal of Sexual Medicine last week, say the outcome is even more surprising because the red wine drinkers were, on average, older than the other two groups, and age tends to be associated with a declining sex drive. Speculating on the cause of this phenomenon, scientists suggest that chemicals in red wine may improve blood flow to key areas of the body, including the sex organs, although there is no proof at this stage. [Telegraph]