Go kiss, it’s healthy

On Kiss Day we give you eight reasons to pucker up.

By: Nirmalya Dutta | | Updated: September 25, 2014 5:52 pm

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Mini vaccination

Anytime you lock lips, and there is an exchange of saliva, there is also an exchange of microbes. A majority of the bacteria in your saliva is common to everyone, but around 20 percent are unique to the individual. So, the process of kissing triggers your body to produce antibodies to fight the foreign bacteria. It’s like a vaccination except the needle and white coats.

Stress buster

A recent study found that when you’re kissing someone, your body releases oxytocin (a calming chemical), endorphins (which are the feel-good chemicals) and dopamine (which promotes bonding). Aim for a 20-second smooch to get mood-boosting benefits.

Allergy-fighter

A study in Japan found that 30 minutes of kissing can slow histamine production (a compound that is released by cells in response to injury and in allergic and inflammatory reactions), providing relief from sneezing and running nose symptoms associated with hay fever and other allergic conditions.

Natural dental fortifier

Even during non-sloppy exchanges, kissing produces bonus saliva. This helps neutralize acids which can cause decay, and washes away food particles and cavity-inducing plaque that’s beginning to form. Some experts even think that the mineral salts in saliva may help bolster enamel, giving you stronger teeth.

Mini-workout

It’s estimated that kissing can burn up to six calories a minute and that you enlist approximately 30 facial muscles. Considering an average person burns 6.67 calories per min walking at 6 km per hour, the numbers aren’t bad at all. Well kissing might not exactly get rid of those stubborn love handles or give you rock hard abs, but you can feel slightly less guilty about having that glass of wine or some hot fudge sundae for dessert.

Game-changer

Now for most guys this might come out of the blue, but how a guy kisses is often the deciding factor for most women whether they want to be in a relationship with that guy. It’s more than just a precursor for sex for women. They actually judge a guy based on his ability to pucker up.

Facial

Many experts believe that you exercise your facial muscles when you kiss, causing you to keep facial muscles tight. It’s said that kissing helps to improve circulation in your face, which can also help to prevent sagging skin and help to smooth the skin.

Confidence Booster

When you are kissing someone, your self-esteem soars and this provides a myriad of benefits to people. When you feel better, you look better, and that’s always good.

So what are you people waiting for?

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Published : February 12, 2012 7:15 am | Updated:September 25, 2014 5:52 pm

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