When Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and Brunnhilde (in the opera “Siegfried”) are brought to life with the magic of a kiss, well, that’s not so far-fetched. The biological and psychological shifts that hugs, kisses and makin’ whoopee trigger are good for the body and soul.
Here’s our rundown of the benefits:
-Intimate touches stimulate the hormone oxytocin (made in the hypothalamus), and that elixir of love reduces pain, lowers blood pressure, eases depression, makes you sleep better, forges social bonds and increases generosity. Wow!
-Regular sexual activity ups blood levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A. That improves respiration and boosts immune strength to protect you from infections and allergies.
-It protects against heart attack and stroke; men who have sex three or more times a week cut their risk in half. And men who are the most sexually active seem to be protected against prostate cancer later in life.
-Passion burns excess calories – up to 200 per romp; and orgasms (sometimes multiple for women) release muscle tension. Plus, women and men who enjoy sex three times a week look up to 10 years younger than those who have it less frequently.
-And last, but hardly least, when shared with love and trust, physical closeness ups self-esteem.
So, want the benefits? Get touched (and touch)! No partner? Go for a massage. Pet a dog or cat. Enjoy physical exercise – stimulating the muscles and hormones in any way at all is great for you!
– Dr. Michael Roizen & Dr. Mehmet Oz
© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
