Why You Should Have More Sex

• By Beth Meirav
• My Blog

Some ways are more fun than others when trying to lose weight and improve your overall health. I could send you to the gym and tell you to hit the treadmill for an hour (which I have certainly advised in the past). In this particular instance, however, I am going to tell you why sex will not only help you lose weight, but also improve your health!

Here are several great reasons to hit the sheets! Date night here I come!

1. Sex produces oxytocin- It is sometimes referred to as the love hormone. This powerful hormone is responsible for positive emotions like trust and happiness. Oxytocin has a calming effect on your mental health. Whether you are producing oxytocin solo or with someone else, it will definitely improve your health. Kissing, cuddling and sex will increase this hormone and make you feel great!
2. Sex burns calories-  There have been studies that show sex can be equivalent to light to moderate exercise. Men get most of the caloric benefit by burning on average 101 calories during sex (4.2 calories per minute). Women burn about 69 calories during sex (3.1 calories per minute). Switch up the position ladies and you can burn more too!
3. Sex reduces stress - Having sex produces feel-good hormones (endorphins plus the oxytocin I mentioned), reduces stress hormones (the dreaded cortisol that can actually cause you to gain weight), improves mood and lowers blood pressure.
4. Sex helps you sleep better - Studies have shown that having sex with a partner (or alone) will help improve your sleep. Aside from oxytocin, hormones such as dopamine, prolactin, and progesterone have been known to affect the mind with a sense of relief, relaxation, and sleepiness after having satisfying sex. Even more good news ... when you sleep more then your libido improves and you have more energy!
5. Sex improves cognitive function - I found the study I read on this quite interesting and surprising. A study from the United Kingdom published in the Journal of Gerontology shows that keeping your sex life active into old age protects and even improves your cognitive functioning and recall. I always figured I would have to start doing crossword puzzles as I aged!