So we all know that we like sex. That it can be fun and adventurous, make us feel more closely connected to our partner, bring out a wild side we didn’t know existed and so on, but get this: It’s physically healthy for you.
A healthy sex life, defined loosely as “doing it” a couple of times or more per week (willingly and in good form, of course) has all sorts of interesting health benefits. So if you’ve been putting sex on the bottom of your to-do list, you may want to reconsider, if for no other than reason than it could save your life.
Top 10 Health benefits of sex
Sex boosts immunity
We all have that friend or colleague who never gets sick — not even a sniffle. Her secret could be sex. Having sex once or twice a week has been linked with higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobin A or, for short, IgA; that’s the stuff that fights off colds and other infections. Deduction: Sex = better immune system. Of course, you could eat an apple a day instead… your choice.
Sex de-stresses
Stressed out? You could try yoga, a glass of wine, a cry fest on your shrink’s couch or — yes, a romp in the sack. That’s right: Sex is a proven stress reliever. Although your blood pressure may shoot for the roof while in the act, maintaining a healthy sex life results in overall lower blood pressure and stress reduction.
Sex increases heart health
Although having a heart attack while in the act may make for great melodramatic film, the likelihood is slim to none. Sex is actually heart healthy. For men in particular, those who engage in sexual activity two or more times per week reduce their risk of heart attack compared to those who have sex less than once per month — not that you had to ever convince a guy to do it.
Sex promotes happy sleep cycles
Ever wonder why your man nods off after you’ve just rocked his world?! It’s because of a little chemical called oxytocin that’s released during orgasm. While it’s annoying that he drifts off into dreamland when you may be ready for a round two, your own sleep cycle will be blissful, too, because this chemical promotes healthier sleep. In turn, good sleep is associated with weight and blood pressure maintenance.
Sex is a natural pain killer
Oxytocin also increases endorphins and decreases pain, particularly that of headaches — which means that your old backpocket headache excuse isn’t going to cut it anymore. Further, a romp in the sack also accelerates the healing of wounds — even stubborn sores such as those suffered by diabetics — by regenerating certain cells, so consider sex an excellent prescriptive cure.
Up next: 5 More unique health benefits of sex >>
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