VEGETARIAN DIETS CAN CRUNCH SEX DRIVE

VEGETARIAN DIETS CAN CRUNCH SEX DRIVE

BOZEMAN, Mont. (Wireless Flash) -- Here's some bad news for vegetarians: your veggie-filled diet may crunch your sex drive. That's according to nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, who estimates about 50 percent of the vegetarians she consults complain they're too pooped to perform in the bedroom. Gittleman thinks the lack of libido has to do with a diet that's low in zinc -- a mineral she says is vital to producing sex hormones. Unfortunately, the best sources of zinc are foods that are off limits for strict vegetarians: eggs and red meat. But not everyone agrees that vegetables can make you listless in the bedroom. Vegetarian cardiologist Dr. Richard Collins says his research indicates folks who stick to a plant-based diet actually have more energy for love-making than meat-eaters. In addition, while red meat may provide a diet rich in zinc, Dr. Collins says meat can also clog up the arteries -- which can lead to impotence in men.

CONTACT: Ann Louise Gittleman, ****; Arrange with Stuart Gittleman; Cornelius, NC; (704) 895-9104; Dr. Richard Collins, ****; Arrange with Bradley James; Denver, CO; (303) 279-4349