Kissing forms part of every stage of your life; from awkward slobbery slaps on the cheek from grandma and bashful romance kisses on television to cheeky snogging behind the girls’ bathroom and that fairy-tale first kiss on your wedding day. Yes, kissing is everywhere and one trip to the movie theatre can prove that in a matter of seconds.
But did you know that this natural response to feelings of intense affection has health benefits too? I know this sounds bizarre because the first things that springs to mind when “health” is mentioned are things like: kale, broccoli, quinoa, green vegetables, no treats and different diet trends. Health is reserved for all of the plain and boring things you don’t want to do (and only do because it is good for you) right? Wrong!
Kissing is fun and good for you. And here are 8 reasons to prove why:
It makes you feel young and happy:
Your brain releases serotonin when you kiss someone who you are attracted to. Serotonin is the chemical in the brain which spikes when you experience something pleasurable in your everyday life and results in simply feeling happy; and who doesn’t want to feel happy?
It melts away all of the stress in your life:
The brain doesn’t only increase the level of serotonin when we kiss, it even lowers the dreaded stress hormone- cortisol. This can result in the relief of symptoms of anxiety and depression and leave you feeling relaxed. The next time you are going to partake in a meditative yoga class, why not kiss your loved one instead?
It takes away the pain of a long day:
The third hormone your body releases when you kiss is adrenaline. Adrenaline is released because your body is beginning to prepare itself to have sex. This is generally where most kissing lands up and it’s a very exciting prospect. Adrenaline numbs your pain receptors leaving you pain free.
It allows your body to fight off bacteria:
Swapping saliva can actually help strengthen the immune system? It sounds crazy, but it’s true. The body releases antibodies whenever it comes into contact with bacteria and, by kissing, you are encouraging the production of more antibodies. You can say hello to a healthy immune system if you kiss regularly.
It protects your teeth:
Kissing stimulates the production of saliva and saliva washes your teeth. The more saliva that is in your mouth, the cleaner your teeth will be.
It burns calories and tightens your facial muscles:
Kissing gets the heart rate firing which requires more energy than you would usually burn by just lying on the couch. It also activates your facial muscles in ways you wouldn’t usually use them; essentially exercising your facial muscles for a beautifully toned face.
It helps to form strong relationships:
Kissing is an incredibly intimate action and it takes you to a place where you’re alone with your partner. You open yourself up to connecting with your partner when you make yourself vulnerable in this way which extends into everyday life and you will end up bonding more than you realise.
It improves your mood and self-confidence:
All of these different physical and mental reactions lead to a great mood which radiates through the way you hold yourself and the smile plastered across your face which will have you feeling great on the inside and the outside.
The best part about kissing is that it has amazing effects on your mental wellbeing and your physical wellbeing, which far surpasses any diet trends in my books. Enjoy the next time you kiss and rest assured that you are doing yourself a healthy favour.