February is Heart Health Month. So with this being said, I decided to write a little about the benefits of sex as it relates to the organ that keeps our natural rhythm going.
1.
Sex is exercise. It's like going to the gym, but WAY more fun! Sex increases your heart rate and blood flow. This is especially important because heart disease is the number-one killer of women. Thirty minutes of sex burns 85 calories or more! Sex is a form of exercise especially if you get creative and try different positions. I'll take sex over the P90X!
2.
Sex relieves stress. A study published in the Biological Psychology journal found that frequent intercourse was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in cohabiting participants. Yet other research found a link between partner hugs and lower blood pressure in women. So sex, and maybe some yoga incorporated in your regular routine can take you to your “happy place” (and keep you there).
3.
Sex reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers found that having sex twice or more a week reduced the risk of fatal heart attack by half for men, compared with those who had sex less than once a month. Though more research has been done on men than women, medical experts say it's fair to assume a similar heart benefit in women who engage in frequent sexual activity as well.
4.
Sex can reduce pain. Skip the tylenol and jump in the bed! When we have sex, we release the hormone oxytocin which in turn releases endorphins, naturally occurring neurochemicals in the brain. Endorphins reduce the sensation of pain and affect emotions. See? No pills necessary.
5.
Sex helps your immune system. In this cold and flu season, sex can be the last thing on your mind when you have the sniffles or that annoying cough that won't quite go away. Though it's not the cure for the common cold, it sure can be of assistance in protecting your body. Individuals who have sex once or twice a week show 30 percent higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A, which is known to boost the immune system. Sure beats that nasty cough medicine. So wash your hands, snuggle up, and get frisky!
There you have it- a few ways that sex and your heart health relate. Note that these tips probably work best in stable relationships and work best when combined with an overall healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, your health, and each other!
Amani moto,
Chanel Jaali
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