Can the Fountain of Youth Be Found in Your Bedroom?

By Soriyya Bawa

Can sex really make you feel and look younger? According to several studies, the answer is: yes. Sex is on the list of effective anti-aging solutions because it’s natural and, for most people, can be very enjoyable, to say the least. Here’s why sex is an effective tool to help you look younger:

Estrogen.  Most of us know that a woman’s estrogen level naturally declines with age, which is unfortunate because estrogen has been shown to protect against heart disease. During sex, a woman’s estrogen levels naturally rise, making it one of the more pleasurable anti-aging solutions out there.

Collagen.  Another one of the great anti-aging solutions that comes with sex is that it increases the production of collagen in your body, which is imperative to firm and healthy skin—one of the basic lessons to look younger. Collagen is what gives your skin its elasticity and suppleness—it also helps to fight off the development of fine lines and wrinkles. The more collagen your body produces, the better your skin will appear, and the younger you will look.

Blood circulation.  Having sex improves blood circulation, which, in turn, makes you look younger. When you’re “doing the deed,” more blood is being pumped to your nether regions, improving circulation throughout your body. Improved blood circulation helps pump more oxygen to your skin, yet another one of sex’s anti-aging solutions. Sex also makes you sweat, or at least it should. Sweating is like a natural cleanser for your skin—it helps to release toxins, which can help you look younger over time.

Weight loss.  Did you know that, on average, a half hour of sex can burn up to 85 calories? Eighty-five calories a day—assuming you’re getting naughty at least once a day—works out to almost 600 calories a week. You can start your day with a workout without even having to get out of bed. What better way is there to look younger?

Endorphins.  Sex is the most natural antidepressant, which means it can significantly improve your emotional state. When you orgasm, your body releases neurotransmitters called “endorphins,” which work wonders in your body. Endorphins lead to feelings of euphoria, moderate your appetite, and enhance your body’s immune response. When your endorphin level is high, you’re also less likely to feel pain, which is exciting news for all you arthritis and joint pain sufferers. Sex can even cure that headache that’s been holding you back all day. So, not only will you look younger, but you’ll feel more energized and ready to go.

Immunity.  Research shows that when you have sex at least once or twice a week, your body produces more of the IgA (immunoglobulin A) antibody, which is what protects you from getting the flu, colds, and other infections. More sex means more IgA, which means a stronger immune system—anything that keeps you healthy can be classified as effective anti-aging solutions. When you’re healthier on the inside, you’re more likely to look younger on the outside.

Blood pressure. A study published in Biological Psychology found that when participants had sex before being put in a stressful situation, their blood pressure didn’t react as much as those who were abstinent or participated in other sexual activities. The results were the same for both men and women. So, you can add sex to your list of anti-aging solutions because it’s great for stress management.

If all of these anti-aging solutions from sex aren’t enough to convince you to spend more time between the sheets, consider this simple discovery: sex can literally make you look younger. The results of a 10-year study revealed that both men and women who had sex at least four times each week looked 10 years younger.

A healthy sex life is just one of the many natural anti-aging solutions that can help improve your mind and body, not to mention your relationship. So go ahead, get frisky!

This article originally appeared on AgeIn.com.