This study showed that male cortisol levels increased after exposure to a five-minute short social contact with a young attractive woman. It provides evidence that interpersonal interaction can influence the secretion of cortisol.’

There are times when cortisol does have benefits. Small increases give quick bursts of energy for survival and pain endurance. But in high quantities it can lead to stress-related changes – and danger.

Just five minutes alone with an attractive female raise the levels of cortisol, the bodys stress hormone, according to a study from the University of Valencia.

The effects are heightened in men who believe that the woman in question is out of their league.

Cortisol is produced by the body under physical or psychological stress and has been linked to heart disease.

Researchers tested 84 male students by asking each one to sit in a room and solve a Sudoku puzzle. Two strangers, one male and one female, were also in the room.

When the female stranger left the room and the two men remained sitting together, the volunteers stress levels did not rise. However, when the volunteer was left alone with the female stranger, his cortisol levels rose.