by PinkNic

Created on: July 31, 2008

You've probably always suspected it, but it's finally been proved that sex can actually be good for your health. So here are seven reasons why swapping a night out on the tiles for a romantic night in could do you the world of good.

1. Sex is good for your emotional health.
Studies have shown that regular sex can reduce the risk of depression. And not just because of the flood of endorphins (feel-good hormones) that are released when you orgasm. Get this: sperm is actually a mood enhancer! The hormone prostoglandin found exclusively in semen is absorbed in the female genital tract and passed into the bloodstream, where it can modulate hormones and act as an anti-depressant.

2. Sex is good for your figure.
It's common knowledge that sex is great exercise. But do you know just how great? In just one half-hour session, your heart rate rises from approximately 70 beats per minute to 150 and you can burn up to 200 calories while simultaneously working your pelvis, thighs, glutes (bum muscles), arms, neck and chest. You can firm your stomach and bum and even improve your posture.

3. Sex is good for pain relief.
Immediately before orgasm, levels of oxytocin also known as the love hormone' rise by five times. This creates an endorphin rush which can help ease all kinds of pain, from headaches to arthritis. Oestrogen levels also increase which can help reduce period pains. In fact, sex is 10 times more effective than valium as a painkiller.

4. Sex is good for your immune system.
Those who have sex at least once a week have approximately 30 percent higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (known to enhance the immune system and lower the risk of colds and flu) than those who don't. Not only that, but sex can actually help in the battle against cancer studies showed that women who had regular orgasms during cancer treatment healed faster.

5. Sex is good for sleep.
You have oxytocin to blame for your man rolling over and falling asleep straight after he's come. The love hormone reduces mental stress and physical pain, creates the bonding feeling you get after orgasm and generally relaxes your mind and body, triggering sleepiness. So for all you insomniacs, the advice is: have more sex!

6. Sex is good for your sense of smell.
Levels of the hormone prolaction surge after sex. This causes the brain's smell centre (scientific term: olfactory bulb) to develop new nerve cells and therefore improve your sense of smell. That's not something to be sniffed at.

7. Sex is good for your teeth!
Well, oral sex is. Semen contains zinc, calcium and magnesium which all promote strong bones, including teeth. These three minerals can hinder tooth decay and give you pearlier whites. And at only 15 calories per shot, you don't really have any excuse not to...go on, it's good for you!

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