Surprising benefits of sex
We all know that sex can make you feel good, but do you know that there is so much more benefits of a good bonk? We share some rather surprising ones here.
1. Immunity boost
If you’re feeling a little lethargic and fatigued, and starting to sneeze at work perhaps you need an immunity boost. Lo and behold, that boost doesn’t have to come from supplements or even a cup of orange juice - just by getting hot and heavy with your man!
It has been found that having sex once or twice a week produces an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) which can protect you from catching colds and other common infections. This claim was backed by a study done at Wilkes University where 112 college students keep records of how often they had sex along with providing saliva samples for the study.
It was recorded that those who had sex once or twice a week had higher levels of IgA than those who didn't have sex as often!
2. Stress be gone
Sex can help lower blood pressure and decrease stress! Researchers from Scotland have found that people who were sexually active had lower blood pressure when engaged in stress-inducing tasks, such as public speaking, with those only having sex in the last two weeks charting the lowest number. Who ever thought that sex could relieve all that stress and anxiety?!
According to Patti Britton, PhD, author of The Art of Sex Coaching, "In part, it's the oxygenation of blood and the focusing of the mind away from negative stressors [and] sex has that magical quality of bringing you into the moment, especially at orgasm, which is a period of time that feels like animated suspension, where your mind and body both go off-grid."
3. A good night's sleep
Have you ever been too tired to sleep?
Well a natural remedy would be the horizontal tango. According to research the chemical oxytocin which is released during orgasm can help you right into snoozeville. "People having frequent sex often report that they handle stress better," say Dr. Ebanks, MD, founder and medical director of Alternity Healthcare.
"The profound relaxation that typically follows orgasm for women and ejaculation or orgasm for men may be one of the few times people actually allow themselves to completely relax. Many indicate that they sleep more deeply and restfully after satisfying lovemaking."
4. Makes you glow
So we’ve all heard of the post-coital glow but can sex actually help make your skin clearer? Well, according to Eric Braverman, MD, founder of PATH Medical Center in New York City,it can! He says having sex releases a key compound in the body -- a hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). "It can boost the immune system, give you healthier skin and even decrease depression," he says.
In fact, a Scottish study showed that people who have sex every other day look dramatically younger (up to 7 to 12 years!) than those who didn't! Who needs that expensive anti-aging cream? Just jump into bed with your husband and start your journey to looking younger!
5. Pain relief
Although some people use sex to numb the pain of a breakup, sex can actually relieve physical pain. The chemical oxytocin comes to the rescue again as it helps boost your body's painkillers, called endorphins. Headache, arthritis pain, or PMS symptoms have been known to improve after sex. In one study, 48 people inhaled oxytocin vapour and then had their fingers pricked. The oxytocin cut their pain threshold by more than half!
So next time you feel that killer headache coming on, just give your husband a call! We're sure he will be happy to hear from you.