"Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana."

Thank you, Groucho Marx, for reminding us that these little guys, so important in the understanding of human genetics and biology, are always on the lookout for more potassium (bananas are loaded with it). And that's a good thing. Potassium is essential for a healthy sex life, and we certainly don't want sexually frustrated fruit flies!

Here's why: The latest research reveals that male FFs die sooner when they're aroused by pheromones from female drosophila (the scientific name for fruit flies) but are unrequited in their ardor. In short, sexual frustration kills. But get the twosome together, and the male lives a longer and - we may be projecting here - happier life.

What does this have to do with YOU?

Genes in fruit flies are similar to humans' and often serve the same function (for example, fruit flies produce insulin-like molecules - lose them and their blood sugar rises, just as in diabetes).

Now, we seem to have similarities in our reproductive mojo as well. The Longevity Project found that women who had more orgasms lived longer, while research from the Cleveland Clinic Wellness Institute showed that men who had the most orgasms added about four years to their lifespan.

So, to live longer, spend time with your honey exploring mutually enjoyable intimacy. You'll flood your body with oxytocin, the bonding hormone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a precursor to estrogen and testosterone that reduces inflammation, and immunoglobulins, which boost immune strength.

The power of love!

© 2013 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.