Top 10 health benefits of kissing

• Posted on January 7, 2014January 7, 2014
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The data is in from studies around the globe, a smooch a day will definitely keep the doctor away! Kissing has head-to-toe health benefits. So tell that cutie you have been yearning for to “pucker up for good health,” because kissing:

1) Improves your mood

During a lip-lock the brain releases dopamine and which is responsible for feelings of desire and bonding, and serotonin that elevates your mood. The feelings and emotions stirred up, and molecules and chemicals released throughout the body from a kiss can heal emotional “boo boos.”

2) Decreases STRESS

In the moments of a great kiss, the chaos of the outside world is quiet, there’s silence in the mind, and the body relaxes and releases stress away. A kiss lowers stress by decreasing the body’s cortisol levels also known as the stress hormone. At the same time kissing stimulates the brain and creates a sense of peace and calmness by altering the body’s oxytocin levels.

3) Keeps you skin toned

Kissing involves 34 facial muscles, and 112 postural muscles. The most important muscle involved in the peck is the orbicularis oris – as it puckers the lips.

4) Can prevent cavities

Throw in a little tongue and you may keep the dentist away. Kissing increases saliva production and this saliva washes away bacteria that can cause cavities, tooth decay, and plaque build-up.

5) Can Cure allergies

Kissing decreases IgE antibodies in the blood that are responsible for the release of histamine. Histamine release in the blood stream causes allergy symptoms such as sneezing and watery eyes. Therefore, more kissing means less sneezing and histamine release.

6) Burns calories

As you lean in, your lips touch, and your heart skips a beat. Well maybe it doesn’t skip a beat, but it definitely beats faster. As the heart beats faster it releases adrenaline, also known as epinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the blood. The boost in adrenaline increases your metabolism and helps burn calories. A study by Dr. Alexander DeWees showed “a passionate kiss, lasting about twenty seconds can burn up to 2-3 calories per minute.”

7) Is heart healthy

Kissing keeps your blood pressure & cholesterol level low. A study of cohabiting and married couples showed an increased frequency of kissing decreased stress, increased relationship satisfaction, and decreased cholesterol levels. Stress is a well-known risk factor for heart disease. Therefore kisses keep you heart healthy with a one two punch by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and stabilizing the cardiovascular system.

8) Provides immunity against illness

Swapping spit means swapping germs and that is nature’s natural vaccination. Being exposed to others’ germs your body makes antibodies against those germs, which can in turn lead to immunity and prevent illness. But wait a minute, kissing and the exchange of saliva can lead to the transmission of some diseases, including mononucleosis, the flu, and cold sores (herpes) if the virus is present in the saliva. Please be mindful many people today have severe food allergies; exposure to these allergens (such as peanuts, shellfish) through a kiss can be deadly.

9) Relieves pain

After a long day do you have a little back pain? If so, take 2 kisses and skip the pain reliever. Kissing releases natural chemicals in the body called endorphins that can be more powerful than the narcotic morphine to relieve pain (without the constipation morphine causes).

10) Can add years to your life

Kissing your hunnie goodbye in the morning can increase HIS life by 5 years. It’s true, studies have shown men live longer when they are married, and kiss their spouse or partner goodbye in the morning. Sorry ladies, the same is not true for us. But a great kiss can curl your toes and leave you wanting more when he comes home.

-askdoctorv