It is amusing how we have managed to romanticize the act of kissing but have completely overlooked its scientific benefits. It isn’t just her cherry lip gloss that makes you weak in the knees, there are actual psychological effects of kissing which make your hormones do cartwheels. So, without further ado, put your lab coats on because we are learning the 10 health benefits of kissing.
10 Health Benefits Of Kissing
We all know how kissing is one of the important parts of the initial phases of a relationship and helps build intimacy between partners. But, what if I told you there are health benefits of kissing that could help feel happier? You can take my word for it or the next time you’re in a liplock with the special someone, experience for yourself what kissing does to the brain. It is a wonderful gesture, a form of art and now there is also a science behind it. Here are 10 health benefits of kissing that you should know about:
1. Kissing helps lose weight
Want to shed some weight? Grab your boyfriend for a hot make-out session. Confused? Don’t be. If you ever wonder whether making out is good for you, the answer is yes! People burn approximately 2 to 26 calories while kissing depending on how passionate you and your partner are. Well, this might not be the most effective workout if you are planning to become muscular, but it’s better (not to mention sexier) than sweating it out on the treadmill.
2. Kissing brings happiness
There are many kissing and hugging benefits but this one takes the cake for me. When you kiss, a chemical called dopamine is released. This chemical can be informally called a happiness chemical because it does precisely that – it makes you happy! Who doesn’t want to be infinitely happy for most of their life? Apart from increasing the secretion of hormones such as oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which are pleasurable and promote feelings of love and bonding, kissing also reduces cortisol levels (the stress hormone) in the body. The next time you feel sad, go to your partner and enjoy a good kissing session and maybe you will see the benefits of kissing for yourself,
3. Kissing relieves stress and reduces anxiety
Is kissing good for you? Yes! Why? Because it reduces your levels of anxiety and stress. The happy hormones released while kissing not only make you feel happier but also helps you feel relaxed and calm. But how is kissing effective? What does kissing do to the brain? Well, when the brain is exposed to any form of affection, whether it is in the form of a good conversation or kissing and hugging, it reduces the cortisol levels and you can feel the difference in your mood. Now, this is a benefit of kissing which everyone should make the most of!
4. Kissing helps reduce cholesterol
I know it sounds made up but these are actual benefits of kissing. According to a 2009 study, couples who increased the frequency of romantic kissing saw a reduction in total serum cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level lowers your chance of developing a host of ailments, most notable among these are life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.
5. Kissing improves immunity
A study in 2014 proved that couples who make out frequently, share similar microbiota in their saliva, which helps improve the immune system because swapping saliva exposes you to new germs which in turn strengthens your immunity. This sounds gross but if you ask is kissing good for you, I would say yes! In fact, if you want to improve your health, I prescribe you a daily dose of kissing, preferably after dessert (wink wink).
6. Kissing tones your facial muscles
Are you trying to get that Greek God-like chiseled jawline that could cut through paper? Well then, have you tried kissing? One of the many health benefits of kissing is that the use of the muscles in the jaw gives them a good workout and helps you get a sculpted face. So what are you waiting for? Go plan a romantic evening with your spouse and enjoy a passionate night of making out (and maybe more).
7. Kissing reduces allergies
Hives and other indications of an allergic reaction related to pollen and domestic dust mites have been proven to be significantly relieved by kissing. Because stress exacerbates allergic reactions, the stress-relieving effect of kissing may also help to lessen allergic responses. Now, this is a benefit of kissing people should be writing about.
8. Kissing improves sex drive
The importance of kissing goes beyond physical health benefits. Kissing, when done right, can improve your sex drive. Testosterone, a sex hormone involved in sexual desire, is also found in saliva. The more testosterone released, the longer and more passionately you kiss. The next time you want to know whether your date is worth sleeping with, suggest a make-out session and see how your body reacts.
9. Kissing soothes headaches
One of the many health benefits of kissing is that you don’t need to depend on aspirins for headaches. Your spouse has the best medicine, their lips. Say goodbye to the “not tonight, honey, I have a headache” excuse. Headaches can be relieved by the dilation of blood vessels and lowering of blood pressure. Kissing can also help you avoid headaches by reducing stress, which is a recognized cause of headaches.
10. Kissing relieves cramps
I can already sense all the girls losing their minds over this one because let’s face it, period cramps or cramps of any kind, in general, feel like a tryst with death. One of the benefits of kissing is reduced cramps. Increased blood flow and dilation of blood vessels can assist reduce cramps – a boost in feel-good chemicals and relief from period cramps? It might be worth it to get your smooch on while you’re having a difficult period. While kissing still remains one of the most romantic expressions of passion and love, the benefits of kissing have made it more appealing. The next time you are second-guessing whether you should kiss your crush or not, remember that there are health benefits attached so just go for it. A kiss a day keeps the doctor away!
