Sex is a pleasure that is actually good for you, say researchers. Long known to be a mood-booster, evidence is increasing that sex may also reduce the risk of heart attack and erectile dysfunction and increase life span. The benefits were greater for older men, but older women benefited as well.
Here’s what the latest research indicates:
• Sexual Ability: Men between the ages of 55 and 75 who had sex less than once a week were twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction as those who had sex at least once a week. Those who were very active sexually and had sex three or more times a week lowered their risk by 400 percent. Older women who had sex every week had estrogen levels twice as high as women who abstained, meaning they were less likely to suffer from vaginal atrophy which causes sex to be uncomfortable.
• Heart: British researchers found that having sex twice or more a week cut the risk of a fatal heart attack by half. Another study found that sex was associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in sexual partners who lived together.
• Prostate: Several studies have indicated that an active sex life reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
• Bones: Making love increases testosterone levels, which leads to stronger bones and muscles.
• Mood: Having sex releases a mixture of endorphins—the body’s “feel good” chemicals. The hormone oxytocin which is released during sex increases bonding. Sex also releases serotonin, a natural antidepressant.
• Pain: The same endorphins that boost mood also fight headaches, arthritis, PMS and other types of pain.
• Colds and Flu: An active sex life has been tied to higher levels of substances called immunoglobulin A (IgA) thought to fight colds and flu. People who made love more than once a week had a 30 percent increase in IgA levels.
• Longevity: Men who had sex twice a week had half the chance of dying prematurely as those who had sex less than once a month. This could be linked to an increase in the youth-promoting hormone DHEA which rises during sex.
• Fertility. Men who have sex frequently generally have higher-quality sperm.
• Natural Beauty Treatment: A Scottish study found that those who looked seven to 12 years younger had sex, on average, four times a week.
• Weight Loss: Sex is a great form of exercise that also helps control weight. Thirty minutes of sex burns around 100 calories.
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