Most people associate a healthy lifestyle with activities that are considered “not so fun”. The Good news is that skipping dessert, and sweating it out on the treadmill are misconceptions and some of the healthiest habits are also among the most rewarding.
Sex for example has multiple health benefits as it boosts both physical and mental health. Regular sex can do more than make you feel closer to your partner, it can actually make you physically healthier Check out some of the surprising benefits you can reap from having great sex.
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Improved Immune System
There is nothing seductive about sneezing, wheezing or that puffy red face and runny-nose look. But, the good news is that studies have shown that getting down and dirty can help you avoid coming down with the sniffles.
People who engage in sexual activity frequently (at least one to two times a week have a significantly higher immunoglobulin A (lgA) levels. The immunoglobulin A is your body’s first line of defense. The lgA immune systems job is to fight off invading bacteria at their entry points reducing and possibly even eliminating the need for activation of your body’s immune system.
This could explain why some people who have sex frequently, take fewer sick days.
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Healthy Heart
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that heart disease in men decrease by 45 percent in men who have sex at least twice a week, compared to those who did so once a month or less.
Estrogen and Testosterone levels are kept in balance when performing both exercise and sexual activity, which is important for heart health.
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Lowers Blood pressure
High blood pressure damages the lining of the blood vessels and causes arteries to harden and narrow, limiting blood flow. This means that less blood is able to flow to the penis. For some men, the decreased blood flow can make things difficult to achieve and maintain an erection – referred to as erectile dysfunction.
High blood pressure can also interfere with ejaculation and can reduce sexual desire.
Sexual activity, and more specifically intercourse, is linked to better stress response and lower blood pressure.
Orgasms in women stimulates the release of the hormone Oxytocin which has a direct effect of lowering blood pressure.
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It’s a Form of Exercise
The good news? Sex counts as cardio. Studies have shown that you can burn anywhere from 85 to 250 calories depending on the length of the session. Cardiologists consider sexual activity comparable to a modest work out on a treadmill.
Not only will your ticker get a workout, but you’ll also squeeze in some sculpting: “Your abs and the muscles in your back, butt, and thighs get a good workout as you thrust during sex,” says Hutcherson. Looks like you have a pretty good reason to skip spin class on Sunday morning and work up a sweat in bed.
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Relief from Pain
Flip the switch: “Yes honey, tonight I do have a headache.”
Sex releases pain reducing hormones and studies have shown that it can also help reduce or even block back, leg pain, pain associated with menstrual cramps, arthritis and headaches. Studies have also shown that sex can lead to partial or complete relief of migraines.
A study conducted at the Headache Clinic at Southern Illinois University found that half of female migraine sufferers reported relief after climaxing. “The endorphins that are released during an orgasm closely resemble morphine, and they effectively relieve pain,” says Meston. Have a migraine but your man isn’t around? Self-medicate by treating yourself with some solo sex. As long as you hit your peak, masturbating will have the same soothing effect.
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Reduce the risk of Prostate Cancer
In one US study, 29,000 men, ages 46 to 81, were asked their history of sexual intercourse and masturbation between the ages of 20 and 49. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute analyzed the data and determined that the group of men who reported 21 orgasms per month was much less likely to have prostate cancer than men who averaged seven or fewer ejaculations per month. The researchers speculated that several protective factors may contribute: ejaculation may clear the prostate of carcinogenic secretions and the stress-reduction benefit from orgasm may limit potential harmful substances that could trigger cancer.
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Stress Relief & Better Sleep
It’s downright dreamy how an orgasm can lull you to sleep. That’s because the same endorphins that help you de-stress can also relax your mind and body, priming you for slumber, says Cindy M. Meston, Ph.D., director of the Sexual Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin and co-author of Why Women Have Sex.
During sexual activity, the body releases neuropeptides known as endorphins (the “feel good hormone”). Endorphins are the driving force behind the natural states of euphoria.
Endorphins help ease stress and boost pleasure. Multiple studies have shown that people who have sex regularly, respond better when subjected to stressful situations.
The relaxation-inducing hormone prolactin is released after sex, and may help you drift off to dream land more quickly.
But, highly active sex can make you feel more energised than sleepy. So be sure to opt for a more subdued session if you’re looking to use sex as a sleeping aid.
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Boost your libido
The more you do something that you enjoy, the more you want to keep doing it. The same is true for sexual activity. The more often you have sex, the more likely you are to want to keep doing it. There is both a mental and physical connection there. Particularly for women. Frequently having sex increases vaginal lubrication, blood flow and elasticity which in turn can make sexual activity more enjoyable.
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A Youthful Glow
In a study conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland, a panel of judges viewed participants through a one way mirror and guess their ages. Those who had enjoyed plenty of sexy time with their partner (4 times a week on average) were noted to be 7 to 12 years younger than their actual age. Frequent sex promotes the release of hormones including testosterone and estrogen, which can help the body look younger and vital. Estrogen also promotes softer skin as well has shiny hair. So get busy to get the glow
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Surprise – You’ll be happier!!!
An Australian survey of 5,000 people showed that married men are 135 percent more likely to report happiness than single men, while only 52 percent of married women are happier than unmarried women. Could it have something to do with the fact that sex is easier for cohabiting couples? According to a national sex survey conducted by the University of Chicago, sexual activity is 25 percent to 300 percent greater for married couples compared to non-married people, depending on age.