Spice up YOUR LIFE
13 reasons to spend more time in the bedroom!
LIGHTEN THE MOOD It’st’ a naturalt l antidepressant Satisfying sex floods our bodies with neuro-hormones that fight off depression and anxiety – dopamine, the reward hormone; serotonin, the ecstasy hormone; and oxytocin, the cuddle hormone. Endorphins, mood-enhancing neuro-transmitters with a similar chemical structure to morphine, are triggered by oxytocin. It relieves pain
Studies in the US have found female migraine and arthritis sufferers who have regular orgasms experience relief, and have a higher pain threshold. KEEP CALM & CARRY ON It lowers stress levels While you do build up a lot of tension during sex, experts point out that the release that comes with good sex is better at calming you down than any drug available. Orgasms allow you to let go of tension and oxytocin is released in the brain. It acts as an antihistamine Sex leads to higher levels of adrenaline, constricting blood vessels, including those in the nose, to get blood to places that need it more. This makes your nose feel less stuffy. BANISH THE BUGS It bolstersb l t your immunity According to a US study, people who have sex once or twice a week have higher levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A than those who have sex less than once a week. It aids digestion
Sex increases the movement of food along the gut. So go ahead, enjoy that pre-coital dessert! GET THE BODY PUMPING It i improves your blood pressure The cardiovascular benefits of sex increase the heart rate and blood flow through the body, which helps keep blood pressure in check and enhances heart health. It increases oestrogen levels During sexual arousal, estradiol – the most potent form of the female sex hormone oestrogen – is released into the bloodstream. It protects against heart disease, osteoporosis, colon cancer, diabetes and cognitive decline. It also makes your hair shinier and your skin softer. RAISE THE TONE It kkeeps you fit Active, enthusiastic sex, where you’re keeping it spicy by switching positions, is good exercise and improves muscle tone. Great sex works all muscle groups, keeps you flexible, increases oxygenation in your blood and can burn up to 630kJ in half an hour. It strengthens your pelvic floor muscles Doing pelvic floor exercises during sex improves your sensations and satisfaction, and can also help reduce incontinence later on. During sex, switch on those muscles by contracting them – and you’ll improve the experience for both you and your partner.