pucker up.
Sorry, Johnny Appleseed, but it seems like you’re gonna be out of work soon, because it looks like daily kisses are better than apples when it comes to keeping the doctor away.
Good news, guys – kissing is actually good for you, so the next time you find yourself in the middle of a make out session, go ahead and indulge for a couple of extra minutes. Here’s why:
1) Kissing reduces blood pressure. According to Andrea Demirjian, author of Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about One of Life’s Sweetest Pleasures, the act of kissing passionately dilates one’s blood vessels and gets the heartbeat pumped up, which helps with blood flow and circulation to all of your vital organs.
2) Kissing gets rid of cramps and pain. Next time you find yourself in the midst of your dreaded menstrual cycle, reach for your boyfriend instead of the aspirin. For those suffering from cramps or a headache, a fairly-timed smooch session helps with blood-vessel dilation and can effectively reduce the pain. Not to mention that it’s a lot more fun than popping a pill!
3) Kissing increases happy hormones. Participating in a kissing session gets the “feel good” chemicals percolating, including serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin – the same hormones that are released during a workout session. They serve to relax, restore and revitalize the body, which is why you’re always on a high after that amazing good night kiss.
4) Kissing burns calories. While we’re not suggesting that you skip the gym, making out can burn between 8 and 16 calories a smooch. Not a bad way to kill time between those commercial breaks while watching TV with your significant other.
5) Kissing helps fight aging. According to Demirjian, kissing deeply can help shape and tone the neck area and jawline, which are often the first areas to sag. By engaging the numerous facial muscles that you have, you are working to tighten and tone them.
6) Kissing boosts confidence. A study in Germany discovered that men who got a nice kiss from their wives before leaving for work made more income. It makes sense, because when a person is happy, they tend to be more productive, which in turn can yield more money at work. Perhaps even a promotion?
