Wednesday, June 2, 2021

The Health Benefits of Sex

Quick quiz: Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three times per week for a year? Research shows that both ... the same number of ... (7,500, to be ... often think that som


Quick quiz: Would you rather run 75 miles or have sex three

times per week for a year? Research shows that both activities

burn the same number of calories. (7,500, to be exact.)

We often think that something that feels good can’t

possibly be good for us. Now it’s time to think again.

Sex in a loving, intimate relationship has numerous health

benefits. In women, for example, the sexual act triggers

the release of oxytocin. Oxytocin promotes feelings of

affection and triggers that nurturing instinct. In men,

sex encourages the flow of testosterone, which strengthens

bones and muscles and helps transport DHEA, a hormone that

may be important in the function of the body’s immune system.

Paul Pearsall, Ph.D., author of Superimmunity, also maintains

that sex in a loving relationship helps the immune system

by increasing the flow of certain chemicals in the body.

Hugh O’Neill, editor of Men’s Health magazine, recently

listed some health benefits of sex, as well. Regular sex

is regular exercise and has similar benefits, including

improved cholesterol levels and increased circulation.

Men’s Health also reported that men who have sex at least

three times each week may have a decreased risk of

developing prostate problems.

Sex, like exercise, releases endorphins. Endorphins

contribute to the runner’s high and diminishes pain

levels.

An active sex life may help us live longer, too.

Dr. David Weeks, a clinical neuropsychologist at

Scotland’s Royal Edinburgh Hospital, conducted a

study of 3,500 people ranging in age from 18 to 102.

Weeks concluded that sex actually slows the aging

process.

Sexual therapists remind us that frequent sex is a

form of exercise. And feeling secure in a relationship

leads to feeling happier, which could lead to greater

health--and a younger look.

In fact, these studies indicate that intimacy plays a

key role in the health benefits of sex. A promiscuous

sexual relationship may actually produce an opposite

effect by introducing a sense of anxiety and fear.

In spite of all these health benefits and the sheer pleasure

of the act, Americans may still need a boost. At least

one-third of American couples report

"inhibited sexual desire," according to The Masters and

Johnson Institute.

Sex therapists say sex acts on the principal of

"use it or lose it." So, for your heart, mind, and soul,

the best advice may be to "Just do it!"

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