Women eat, men choose sex when stressed — study

A new UK study shows that half of women surveyed turn to food to deal with stress and anxiety while over a quarter of men choose sex or porn.

The study by London’s University College surveyed 115 men and 250 women and found that 27% of the males chose sex and porn to relax, compared to only 11 percent of women. Fifty-one percent of women comfort ate to calm anxiety, compared to 31 percent of men, various UK media reported.

Dr John Barry, who led the research, reportedly said: ”For men, having sex is about dissociating from whatever troubles they are having at that particular time – it is escapism…The findings really play into the stereotype of a depressed woman gorging on chocolate and the man looking at porn on his computer.”

Commenting, South African health and wellness expert Vanessa Ascencao said research shows that the desire for fatty and sweet foods when anxious or depressed is related to the stress hormone cortisol.

“We should find healthier ways to deal with stress. Consult your medical professional first and consider therapy, meditation, exercise, enough sleep, a healthy, balanced diet aimed at alleviating anxiety and choose credible supplements,” said Ascencao.

She added that the ancient Persian spice saffron, popular in Mediterranean dishes and found in the feel-good food supplement Felix, helps boost mood-enhancing serotonin due to the patented extract Satiereal, clinically proven to suppress appetite.

“Saffron, found in Felix, is an ancient traditional medicine, mood enhancer and stress reliever. I also use the innovative vitamin mouth spray BetterYou Boost B12, proven to be more effective than pills and far less intrusive than injections. Boost B12 also helps alleviate stress and promotes the body’s natural tranquilisers, GABA and norepinephrine”.

 

Both Felix and BetterYou Boost B12 are available at leading health stores, pharmacies and Dis-Chem.

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