Sexual Six: the Six Health Benefits of Sex

Sex is not just for pleasure, but can also do wonders in our health — both physically and psychologically.

Here are six health benefits of sex I stumbled on the web that some of us may not know about:

1. Enhances Physique

   Did you know that sexual intercourse burns off 150 calories every half an hour? Sex helps to keep a person fit and in constant awareness of hi/her body. Although the average couple engages in sex for approximately 25 minutes a session for only three times a week, still accounts for 450 calories that are better taken off than put on. And if you are a rigorous player, you may burn even more than 300 calories depending on how rigorous you get.

2. Fountain of youth

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   The hormone called DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) increases in response to sexual excitement and ejaculation every time a person reaches orgasm. This hormone increases the immune system, repairs tissue, improves cognition and even works as an antidepressant. As a result, the more orgasms a person has, the longer his/her life span is.

3. Hormones… and more hormones

   An increase of testosterone level through regular sexual activity, does more than just boost one’s sex drive; it helps fortify bones and muscles, and it keeps your heart in good working condition as well. As for women, an increase of estrogen level protects them against heart diseases.

4. Increases blood flow

   Did you know that when a person gets aroused, blood starts to pump at a quicker rate, and as a result, blood flowing to the brain increases too? Fresh supply of blood pumping through the body provides the organs with a healthy dose of oxygen and rids them of old and wasteful products. Thus, an increased heart rate and more blood pumping through the brain results in better performance (in and out of the bedroom).

5. Relieves headache

   A hormone called oxytocin (a nine amino acid peptide that is synthesized in hypothalamic neurons and transported down axons of the posterior pituitary for secretion into blood) is secreted within a person’s body whenever he/she engages in sexual activity. In return, endorphins (hormone-like chemicals that bear a close functional resemblance to morphine) are released. Studies have shown that a rise in oxytocin levels can relieve pain; everything from headaches, cramps and overall body aches.

6. Relieves Stress

   People who have more sex reported that they felt more at ease, happier and learned how to handle stress much better. People who enjoys a regular dose of sex, experiences an intense wave of calm and relaxation after an orgasm. With it, sleep is much better attained, thus upon waking up, they feel alive, refreshed throughout the day and allows them to handle stress much more efficiently.