6 ways sex improves your health

Half a dozen reasons why you can never spend too much time between the sheets

Sex is everyone’s favourite workout. And we should all be doing more of it. Aside from the immediate biochemical benefits – of which you’re well aware – regularly going to bed early delivers a range of longer term health boons. Check out our 10 ways to get more sex and tap into the most enjoyable way to lengthen your life, stave off disease and melt away stomach fat.

It improves your heart health

Locking eyes with the beautiful blonde across the bar might make your heart skip a beat, but entice her into bed and – in addition to your ego – it will be feeling better than ever. Research published in the American Journal of Cardiology found men who get lucky twice a week are 45% less likely to develop heart conditions than men who have sex just once a month.

It relieves stress

University of the West of Scotland scientists discovered that, through stunting your stress hormones, sex helps you deal with mental pressure for up to a week. Their study found subjects who had regular sex not only handled stressful situations better, their blood pressure also returned to normal more quickly. Secure yourself a regular fumble for a firm grasp of your lengthening to do list.

It prevents prostate cancer

A National Cancer Institute survey of 30,000 middle-aged men found those who averaged five ejaculations a week had a 33% lower risk of prostate cancer than those who averaged one. True, this level of prostate protection can be, ahem, self-prescribed – but these five ways to increase your sex appeal should ensure you find someone willing to lend a hand.

It boosts your immune system

Sex twice a week not only bolsters your relationship, it kick-starts your immune system, too. Researchers at Wilkes University found a 30% increase in immunoglobulin proteins, which speed up your body’s reaction time to nasty bacteria, in subjects who had biweekly sex. Just bear in mind this only works as a preventative action; cosying up to your better half armed with scientific studies and a blocked nose isn’t advised.

It aids weight loss

Increasing your libido reduces your waistline. Sex stimulates the production of phenetylamine, a natural amphetamine that regulates your appetite. Which means the only thing you’ll be left hungry for is round two. As well as stunting food cravings, 30 minutes of sex will also burn 200 calories. Sounds ambitious? Use these five ways to last longer in bed.

It makes you better looking

That post-sex glow doesn’t just look good on her. Research conducted at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital found men with an active sex life can look up to seven years younger than their actual age. Sex floods the skin with anti-inflammatory molecules like oxytocin and beta-endorphins, both of which help to keep you looking your best. More sex = improved looks = more sex. Who would’ve thought equations could be sexy?