Health Benefits of SexThe tremendous health benefits of sex are physiological and emotional. Sex enhances cardiovascular health, improves sleep, boosts immunity, relieves pain, and reduces depression and anxiety. Human sexuality is a divine gift with marvelous benefits designed to bless the human race. It draws couples together in love and association that blesses their lives in ways unavailable to individuals alone. And it helps each partner find more happiness and joy in life – inside and outside of their marriage. Having children, of course, is a great blessing to parents seeking to enlarge their family. But important physical and emotional health benefits of sex bless individuals and couples in many other remarkable ways. Let’s look at the health benefits of sex from a physical or physiological side first. Then we’ll discuss the terrific benefits sex can have on emotional well-being. Physical Health Benefits of SexCardiovascular HealthOne of the health benefits of sex is an increase in cardiovascular health. The body’s cardiovascular system is comprised of the heart and blood vessels. A typical sexual encounter will burn around 200 calories. That’s roughly equivalent to jogging for 20 minutes or walking briskly for 30 minutes. Regular sex has been shown to reduce the likelihood of heart attack or stroke by up to 50%. It can also help control blood pressure. As the heart pumps faster, the brain receives more oxygen along with the rest of your body. This resultant extra blood flow invigorates and detoxes the cells throughout the body. During sexual climax powerful hormones are released that Research has shown that sexual activity increase Improved Sleep Improved sleep is another health benefit of sex. As oxytocin and serotonin are released during sex, feelings of calmness and satisfaction engender relaxation. These hormones act as natural sedatives. More Energy Norepinephrine, a natural drug related to adrenaline, is released during sexual process and produces exhilaration and increases energy. With improved sleep mentioned above, you can face each new day with more vitality, and you’re better able to handle stress physically and emotionally. Exercise and weight loss As mentioned above, having sex can burn around 200 calories, which is about like jogging for 20 minutes or walking briskly for 30 minutes. Just like a workout at the gym, an increased heart rate, better breathing, and muscular contractions convert fat into energy. You receive all the benefits of exercise, including increased endurance, better mood, reduced risk of disease and improved overall health. Pain relief Studies have shown that pain tolerance is increased during sex and short-term pain relief is afforded to both women and men. Powerful hormones, like oxytocin, act as natural pain relievers. They can alleviate the pain of such things as headaches, arthritis, back pain, menstrual cramps, PMS, and host of other troubles. Boosted immunity An interesting health benefit of sex is an improved ability to fight colds and the flu because of an increased level of antibodies in the blood that boost the immune system. Frank Brennan and Carl Charnetski of Wilkes University (Pennsylvania) discovered that individuals who have sex once or twice a week have 30% higher levels of immunoglobulin A, an immune boosting antibody, compared with those who have sex less often. Bladder control The muscles in the pelvic floor that are used in sexual activity are also used in controlling the bladder. A nice benefit of sex is that these muscles become stronger and the risk of incontinency is reduced. Women are often encouraged to do Kegel exercises to increase their muscle tone in this area, not only for more bladder control but to improve sexual pleasure. “Kegels” are done by contracting the muscles as if to stop the flow of urine. Doing a few per day is said to accomplish the desired results. Especially for men Some urologists think that prostrate health is improved with frequent sex. Though not scientifically proven, the theory is that the regular evacuation of seminal fluid will purge the prostrate of potentially present carcinogens. Another male benefit is that testosterone levels in the body increase during sexual activity. The more regular the activity, the more testosterone is available to increase sexual desire, strengthen bones and muscles, and increase mental and physical energy. Especially for women The health benefits of sex for women can be profound. One of the benefits is the increase of estrogen. Estrogen is often associated with reproductive health. However, it’s vital in many other functions in the female body, including building healthy bones and producing a pleasing scent. Estrogen is also involved in the health of the skin and hair, two fundamental elements of a woman’s beauty. It helps the skin be soft and supple and the hair to be silky and shiny. Research done in California noted that frequent sex helps regulate dropping estrogen levels during menopause. With sufficient estrogen, there is a decrease in menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, urinary tract infections, hot flashes and urinary stress incontinence. Emotional Health Benefits of SexSelf-esteemOne of the great emotional health benefits of sex is greater self-esteem. Not only is your self-worth increased by virtue of the fact that someone loves and cares for you, but sexual intimacy releases powerful endogenous chemicals that flood over the brain. Here are a few:
Emotional strength In a happy marriage, sexual intimacy strengthens both partners emotionally. The physiological release of natural drugs (mentioned throughout this article) improves your ability to cope with life’s challenges and reduces stress. It’s important to note that sexual intimacy outside of marriage often adds to life’s stresses and strains. Healthy marriage, where couples are bound together for the long run, “in sickness and in health,” is where sex provides the greatest emotional strength. Additionally, oxytocin and norepinephrine help forge powerful bonds between husband and wife which greatly enhance their ability to live happier, more productive lives. Less anxiety and depression As noted above, sex helps people handle stress better. They feel more at ease and are happier. Research at UCLA noted that estrogen enhances the calming effects of oxytocin. Oxytocin, the “cuddle chemical,” bonds you to your partner. Together with serotonin, they serve to calm and relax you, thereby protecting you from anxiety and depression. Spiritual strength Another powerful health benefit of sex is how its positive energy can increase spiritual strength. Those who view marriage and sex as a gift of divine providence develop a closer association to the Giver. They derive spiritual strength from knowing themselves better. They better understand their purpose. They view their marriage as an opportunity to become one with each other. And they see their marriage as an opportunity to become one with God.
Click here for information about
overcoming porn addiction.
|
