Sex and health benefits

Want to look younger and live longer without having to go under the knife? Turns out there's a way — and no, it doesn't involve any magic pills or complex regimes. All you need is one thing: your sweetie.

That’s right. According to Dr. Nicholas Sieveking, a board-certified plastic surgeon and functional medicine specialist, the more sex we have, the better we look and feel, and the longer we may live.

We know how sex benefits our loving relationships, but here are seven ways that sex is also good for our health:

1. It's a natural mood lifter

Psychologically, those who have sex on a regular basis experience less depression, says licensed marriage and sex therapist Dr. Kat Van Kirk. "These individuals generally report a higher satisfaction with their lives overall, and tend to feel more bonded to their partners as a result of sexual intimacy." Van Kirk adds that, in the afterglow of sex, it’s usually impossible to focus on distracting thoughts and worries.

2. It's a natural stress reducer

Some say that the best cure for stress is sex. And no wonder: The relaxation that that typically follows is often one of the few times people actually allow themselves to completely relax and let go of the day’s stresses.

"The stress and anxiety feel-good hormone, Oxytocin, floods the brain when we have sex. This is what gives us that sleepy, relaxed feeling. Another hormone, Prolactin, kicks in [after sex] and adds to that desire to breathe deeply and fall into a peaceful slumber," says Sieveking.

3. It's a natural immune booster

Van Kirk says, "Orgasms increase blood flow, and as fresh blood supply arrives, your cells, organs and muscles are saturated with fresh oxygen and hormones, and as the used blood is removed, you also remove waste products that cause fatigue and illness.: That’s not all: Sieveking adds that immune-system-boosting antibodies like Immunoglobin A and DHEA are enhanced during sex.

4. it's a natural appetite suppressant

Wouldn’t it be great to lose weight without dieting and working out? Sieveking and Van Kirk say that sex can even regulate metabolism and curb your appetite thanks to the hormone phenetylamine, another natural hormone produced during sex.

"This hormone serves as a natural amphetamine that eases food cravings and regulates appetite. If you have sex in the morning or before dinner, you may feel like eating less and find yourself satisfied with a smaller food portion," says Sieveking.

5. It's a natural body toner

Who needs the gym when you can have sex with your sweetie? The deep breathing, the muscle contractions, and the challenging positions can also strengthen your body.

Muscle contraction as a form of exercise is generally good for any muscle, says Van Kirk — and not just the abs, legs and arms. "The muscle contraction associated with orgasm can also address issues such as erection problems for men, and for women, contractions during sex strengthen the entire uro-genital tract, which can aid in easing childbirth."

6. It's a natural memory booster

Did you know that sex actually increases brain cells and improves memory?Researchers at the University of Maryland found that middle-aged rats made more new brain cells after mating and also increased brainpower with frequent sexual activity.

Scientists noticed that after sex, the number of newly generated neurons in the hippocampus, where long-term memories are made, increased. "When you have more sex, your sleep quality enhances thus allowing time for cellular turnover and repair," says Sieveking. The experts add that maintaining adequate levels and hormonal balance reduces the risk of dementia and stroke as well.

7. It gives you a natural facelift

There is a biochemical basis for a look of relaxation and vibrant, glowing skin, says Sieveking. "A healthy sex life normalizes cortisol levels and other inflammatory mediators. This helps stimulate normal growth hormone levels and other sex hormones such as testosterone.

It’s scientific truth that growth hormone and testosterone help repair damage skin, erase wrinkles, stimulate collagen regeneration, and give you an overall younger and healthier appearance," he says.