Eva Mendes 'loves' sex symbol status

Eva Mendes has remarked that she enjoys her status as a sex symbol.

The star told the Spanish edition of Vogue that she enjoys being considered a siren, so long as it does not get in the way of her movie work.

"I love it ... But it's not important to me to always be thought of as sexy. I like it when it doesn't limit my career. It's a part of my life, but on a secondary plane," she said.

She added that she attempts to keep her body in good condition by keeping an eye on what she eats.

"I try not to go crazy, but yes, I pay attention to what I eat ... I try to stay away from pasta, bread, cakes, sweets, cookies and ice cream," Mendes said.

Last month, the star bemoaned the number of parts available for actresses in Hollywood.

"There is a lack of roles out there for females," she told the Evening Standard.