Sex and Its Health Benefits

Sex is a form of exercise. During sexual arousal, the pulse rate raises from about 70 beats/second to about 150 - same as that of athlete putting forth maximum effort. Hence it helps our heart to remain in better shape. Making love burns an average of 200 calories which compares to 15 minutes on a treadmill. For women, each multiple orgasm burns an extra 47 calories. Sex encourages flow of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and testosterone in males. Both these hormones have been linked to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and are known for their protective effect on the heart muscle. Sex is known to lower stress and also the blood pressure. A study published in the journal Biological Psychology found that frequent intercourse was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure. Since these are two main factors that affect the health of our heart, frequent sex can help us to keep heart diseases at bay.

Sex is known to release endorphins, the feel good hormones, which are known to mitigate the chronic pain of backache, arthritis and migraines. Satisfactory sex life leads to secure relationship, which in turn leads to better health - both physical as well as mental. This helps us to lead happier and healthier life, which is reflected in our appearance. Hence, having sex regularly makes us look more beautiful and vibrant.

Some studies also show that frequent sex may be beneficial to the health of our prostrate gland. When you don't have sex for long, the prostrate fluid is stagnant; and it can build up a toxic load from the rest of the system by simple absorption. This toxic load can ultimately lead to a dysfunctional or enlarged prostrate and may also cause prostrate cancer. Regularly emptying your prostrate gland via ejaculation during sex is a good way to keep your prostrate healthy.

Ongoing research also suggests that hormones oxytocin and DHEA, released during lovemaking, may help on prevention of breast cancer.

Furthermore, sex relieves stress, lowers cortisol (a stress hormone) levels and reduces our risk of stress related diseases. Rigorous sex can burn about 200 calories, hence it is a great way to lose weight and remain in good shape. Sex is also known to boost our immune functions and thus help us in living a long and healthy life.

In nutshell, sex helps our bodies function in healthiest possible manner, in the most natural way possible, as they say, "sex is natural, sex is fun."

Sources:

Author- Kathleen Doheny
Page Title - 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Sex
Site Title - WebMD