Physiological Benefits of Sex
Is Sex just Plain Fun?
Abraham Lincoln once said, “No matter how much cats fight, there always seems to be plenty of kittens”. Sex is not only the ultimate way to make up after a fight (together with an outright apology) but it is also one of mankind’s oldest pastimes and definitely one of the most pleasurable. One may wonder though if there are any benefits to having sex. The answer is yes. The benefits of sex are numerous. Sex can not only be a wonderful way to spend a morning, afternoon and/or evening but it can also help with certain health issues that concern all of us. You know that our well-being depends on a healthy diet and exercise, but did you know that sex can help you to:
- Lose weight
- Reduce stress
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Improve circulation
- Live longer
- Stay younger
The Benefits of Sex
Maintain Ideal Body Weight
Many people work out everyday. Thousands of dollars are spent on specialty gym equipment, club memberships and sports clothes. Well, one can exercise, save money and have fun at the same time. Tests reveal that sexual intercourse can burn off approximately 150 calories per half hour. It may seem like a minute amount but it is significant when compared to other physical activities. Check this chart:
Activities |
Calories Burned |
yoga |
114 |
dancing |
129 |
walking |
153 |
weight training |
153 |
canoeing |
153 |
volleyball |
174 |
Sex |
150 |
On average, individuals can lose up to three pounds a year if they are having sex at a rate of seven to eight times a month; therefore, if the frequency of sex is increased then more weight can be lost making it fun to work towards maintaining your body’s ideal weight.
Fight Fatigue and Illness with Increased Blood Flow
Exercise does increase the chances that you will remain healthy; however, it is hard to remain active while sick or while suffering from prolonged fatigue which can be brought on by poor blood circulation. Sex increases blood flow, and increased blood flow allows for the saturation of fresh oxygen in your muscles which in turn increases productivity - one of the many physiological benefits of sex.
Stress and Cholesterol Issues? Sex can Help
In this day and age, there is constant worry about reducing the chances of a heart attack or heart disease. Doctor consultations, special diets and appropriate exercises are important in preventing such health problems; and sex can be considered as part of your exercise program.
Sex can help lower the overall cholesterol level in your body which is an important factor in the prevention of heart related illnesses. In our body we have two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL. These are better known as the good and the bad cholesterols. Sex is conducive to naturally tipping your body towards the healthier type which is HDL, thereby curbing LDL build up.
Meetings, deadlines, finances, children, commuting back and forth are activities that can send your stress level through the roof. Another one of the attractive benefits of sex is that people who are intimate regularly are better able to process stress than those who abstain. After a good bout of lovemaking whereby climax is reached by both partners, a deep level of physical and mental relaxation is achieved; moreover, many people have reported that they sleep better.
Fountain of Youth? Yet another Benefit of Sex
Mortality, men and women struggle against it everyday. Anti wrinkle creams and the like are sold in abundance as we try to curb the speed with which we age. Is it possible that sex can not only benefit your life in all the aforementioned ways but also help you to live longer and look younger? A study was performed on 1,000 British men, some of which were sexually active (achieving approximately two orgasms a week) while others were not. Those who indulged in sexual activity had a lesser death rate than those who abstained from it.
Health and Fun Combined
So, as part of your healthy life style, you may want to add sex to your list of exercises. Whether you want to lose weight, reduce stress, lower your cholesterol level, live longer and stay younger, consider sex as a fun and healthy activity that will help you achieve your goal.
Written by Dr. Seth
Dr. Seth has devoted his career to the field of sexual health. His experience and skillful approach to counseling and sex therapy to increase sex drive put him in a unique position to answer your questions and concerns. See his website at www.increasesexdrive.com.
