Want to Look Younger, Fight Heart Disease, Beat Stress, and Live Longer? Have More Sex!

Written by: Steven Schlosser
Published 11/24/2015
Updated: 11/24/2015

You probably enjoy having sex, but you may not realize that it’s also good for your health. Yes, you heard that right! In fact, studies have shown that having sex can benefit you in a variety of ways. Sex can help you look younger and live longer while combating stress and illness. Here are just a few of the ways that sex can improve your overall health and well-being.

Helping you look younger
Experts believe that regular sexual activity can help you look and feel up to seven years younger. Dr. David Weeks works at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in the United Kingdom. In 2013, he told the British Psychological Society that sex has several health benefits that can make you look and feel better. This may be because people release human growth hormones during sex, which can make the skin appear more elastic. Other research has shown that people who have sex at least four times per week can look up to ten years younger. Sex triggers the release of hormones such as adrenalin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which can also help prevent wrinkles and premature signs of aging.

Fighting heart disease
Research from the New England Research Institute showed that men who engage in sexual activity at least two times per week can halve their risk of cardiovascular disease. The study examined approximately 1,000 participants. Since the results showed such a positive effect on male cardiovascular health, the researchers recommended screening men for sexual activity when assessing the risk of heart disease. According to the researchers, the health benefits of sex may be attributed to the physical and psychological effects of the activity.

Beating stress
Do you often worry about events in your life? Having sex may relieve some of your stress. A study published in Biological Psychology showed that sex can help you respond better during stressful times. This news may not be surprising to most people. Sex is an inherently enjoyable activity that naturally lowers stress levels. However, it’s interesting that touch alone can help reduce stress. Getting a hug or holding someone’s hand can improve your reaction to stressful events. Receiving a hug can also lower your heart rate and reduce your blood pressure. So, if you can’t have sex, you may want to settle for cuddling instead.

Living Longer
As more research is conducted about the benefits of sex, it’s clear that regular sex is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. In fact, sex may even increase your lifespan. Studies have shown that people who have regular sex are more likely to live longer. A study conducted in 1997 showed that men who have sex at least two times per week live eight years longer on average. The results show that sex has a protective effect on health. Researchers at the University of Bristol found that sex also has a positive impact on the immune system, heart, and brain. These health benefits can often translate into a longer lifespan for sexually active adults.