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Not so many people know that kissing has health benefits. Well, despite the fact that kissing can be many things from sweet, loving, intense, to passionate, it's been proven that there are actually health benefits that come with kissng.
Studies have revealed that individuals who kiss more often significantly decrease their levels of stress and are known to have even greater relationship satisfaction.
The following are a few interesting benefits of kissing
1. Boost ‘happy hormones’
Studies have disclosed that kissing triggers the brain to release a cocktail of chemicals that leave you feeling so good by igniting the pleasure centers of the brain. These chemicals include oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, which make you feel euphoric and encourage feelings of affection and bonding.
2. Lowers anxiety
Kissing has been shown to decrease stress hormone cortisol while increasing serotonin - a chemical responsible for maintaining mood balance - levels in the brain. It has also been shown to have similar benefits to meditation, mainly from its ability to release oxytocin, also known as the 'love' hormone.
3. Reduce blood pressure
Kissing also helps to dilate blood vessels, which may help lower blood pressure.
4. Fight cavities
Yes, you read that right. When you kiss, saliva production increases in your mouth increases, and this helps to wash away plaque on your teeth that may lead to cavities.
5. Increases sex drive
Like mentioned above, kissing prompts your brain to release a happy elixir of feel-good chemicals like serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Additionally, testosterone - the hormone responsible for sex drive in both women and men - is released during prolonged kissing.
6. Gives immune system a boost
Just as saliva can help oral hygiene, it can also give your immune system a boost. There are more than 700 types of bacteria inside a human mouth - with no two alike. Therefore, exchanging saliva can introduce the body to new bacteria. Studies have shown that having a diverse number of bacteria in our bodies correlates with better health - specifically when it comes to our microbiota, or the collection of microorganisms living inside us.
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