Sex keeps you healthy - Oladapo Ashiru

Men who have sex at least twice in a week can almost
halve their risk of heart disease, according to new
research. This study was conducted with over 1,000
men.

Sex is an activity that involves intense physical and
emotional elements. Sexual intercourse may be a marker
for a healthy heart because sex can be a form of physical
activity which, like exercise, gives your heart a workout.
People who have a desire for frequent sex, and are able
to do so, are likely healthier overall; especially because
men who have regular sex may also be in a supportive
relationship, which offers stress reduction and emotional
benefits.

The medical world is finding that regular sex is so good
for you that when you go to see a doctor, they are asking
many questions about your sex life to give them an
indication of your overall health. Apparently, sex is not
only good for your heart, it also keeps many other
illnesses away.

For example, sex can actually cause you to get fewer
colds. Research has shown that couples who have sex
weekly have a 30 percent increase in immunoglobulin A,
an antibody that fights infection. Sex can also help
women have a more predictable period schedule, as a
result of being exposed to male pheromones.

In addition, having sex reduces stress — for physiological
as well as emotional reasons. Anything that will reduce
stress is good for you, as too much stress can lead to
many diseases, including cancer. Sex activates a nerve
that has a calming effect. Having sex also lowers blood
pressure, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Sex can even reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase
HDL (“good”) cholesterol! The following are other good
health results that a good sex life can give you:

• Fewer colds because of an increase in immunoglobulin
A, an antibody that fights infection
• Women can get more predictable periods because of
exposure to male pheromones
• A better physical response to stress
• Lower blood pressure, which lowers your risk of heart
disease
• Lower your bad cholesterol and increase your good
cholesterol
• Help tone your abdomen and pretty much any muscle in
your body
• Natural increases in estrogen, thus improving the
appearance of your hair, skin and nails
• Improve your memory because blood flow increases to
your brain
• Increased feelings of motivation because of the release
of endorphins

As you can see, a good sex life is one way to stay happy,
healthy and fit. So, if your doctor starts grilling you about
your bedroom habits, now at least you know why.
And this is actually only the tip of the iceberg. Sex has
also been found to boost self-esteem and improve
intimacy in your relationship. This is because sex and
orgasms result in increased levels of the hormone
oxytocin — the “love” hormone — that helps you feel
bonded to your partner.