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Are you one to lean towards air kisses rather than actual kisses? How often do you engage in kissing within your relationship? Does the sight of lovebirds kissing make you cringe? Well, it’s time to embrace it, because there are several benefits of kissing. Kissing is the most delightful and intimate act humans engage in. It is one of life’s sweetest pleasures.
It turns out that kissing offers a myriad of mental and physical benefits that make getting smooched worth it. Join me to explore 20 incredible benefits of kissing.
Can lip kissing transmit infection?
Yes, lip kissing can potentially transmit infections, as it involves direct contact with another person’s saliva and mucous membranes. This close contact can facilitate the spread of various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, especially if one of the individuals involved is infected with a contagious disease
20 Health Benefits of Passionate Kissing
1. Kissing helps to reduce blood pressure
Engaging in passionate kissing isn’t just good for your emotional well-being; it also provides a workout for your physical heart. According to Andrea Demirjian, in his book “Kissing“, passionately kissing can increase your heart rate in a healthy way, which helps reduce blood pressure. This act widens your blood vessels, ensuring that blood flows efficiently to all your vital organs.
2. Kissing gives you a healthier mouth
Saliva contains compounds that combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Through deep kissing, the flow of saliva is increased, thereby aiding in the maintenance of oral health by promoting cleanliness in the mouth, teeth, and gums.
3. Kissing Relieves Cramps and Headaches
Among the benefits of kissing is that the dilation of blood vessels and the subsequent increase in blood circulation can potentially alleviate cramps. Imagine experiencing a surge of feel-good chemicals and finding relief from period discomfort through kissing. It might just be worth trying the next time you’re dealing with a severe menstrual discomfort.
4. Kissing boosts your ‘happy hormones’
When you kiss, your brain is triggered to release a combination of chemicals that induce a profound sense of pleasure. This activation occurs in the brain’s pleasure centers. Among these chemicals are oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin, known to evoke feelings of euphoria and foster affectionate bonds. Additionally, kissing reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone, further enhancing your overall sense of well-being.
5. Kissing improves your emotional bond with your partner
Oxytocin, a chemical associated with forming bonds, is released during kissing, promoting feelings of attachment and affection. Kissing your partner is not only fun and pleasurable but also a crucial aspect of physical intimacy. It fosters a sense of togetherness and love, nurturing the bond between you.
6. Kissing relieves stress
When it comes to cortisol, kissing has the added benefit of reducing cortisol levels and alleviating stress. Engaging in affectionate gestures such as kissing, hugging, and verbal expressions of love like saying “I love you” influences the body’s physiological responses to stress management. Effective stress management includes improving one’s ability to cope with stress and anxiety. There’s a unique calming effect that comes from a kiss and other forms of affection. Oxytocin, in particular, plays a role in reducing anxiety while promoting relaxation and overall well-being.
7. Kissing can boost your immune system
Exchanging saliva can boost your immune system by introducing you to new germs that help strengthen it. A study conducted in 2014 discovered that couples who kiss regularly tend to have similar microbiota present in their saliva and on their tongues.
8. Kissing reduces allergic response
Research has shown that kissing can provide substantial relief from hives and other signs of allergic reactions triggered by pollen and household dust mites. Additionally, since stress exacerbates allergic responses, the stress-reducing effects of kissing may further alleviate allergic reactions.
9. Kissing burns calories
Exercising those facial muscles during kissing also burns calorie. The intensity of your kiss can determine the calorie expenditure, ranging from 2 to 26 calories per minute. While it may not be the best workout regimen for weight loss, it certainly offers a more enjoyable alternative to sweating it out on the elliptical trainer!
10. Kissing tightens and tones your facial muscles
Kissing involves a varying number of facial muscles, ranging from 2 to 34, depending on the intensity. Regular kissing can be likened to a workout for your face—and neck, especially with deeper kisses. This activity can potentially tone your facial muscles, and exercising these muscles may boost collagen production, promoting firmer, more youthful skin.
11. Kissing has an impact on your self-esteem
The intimate act of kissing, especially when it’s mutual and enjoyed, can boost feelings of attractiveness and desirability. The release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine during kissing contributes to a positive mood and sense of well-being, further enhancing self-esteem.
12. Kissing reduces blood cholesterol
In a 2009 study, it was discovered that couples who often engage in romantic kissing witnessed improvements in their overall serum cholesterol levels. Maintaining optimal cholesterol levels reduces the risk of various diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
13. Kissing enhances a glowing skin
Amidst the numerous benefits of kissing is that kissing on the lips enhances blood circulation to your skin. This results in a healthy blush and potentially triggering the production of collagen and elastin. These proteins play a vital role in nourishing the skin and maintaining its elasticity and youthful appearance.
14. Kissing determines physical compatibility with a potential partner
A kiss serves as a significant indicator of initial attraction to a person. The majority of surveyed individuals indicated that a first kiss could either enhance attraction or could be a total turn-off. Women, especially, attribute more importance to kissing as a tool for assessing a potential mate and for initiating, sustaining, and evaluating the status of their relationship with a long-term partner.
15. Kissing increases arousal and boosts sex drive
Kissing is not just a pleasurable act but enhances arousal and boosts libido. The intimacy and passion of kissing can ignite a spark that intensifies arousal, leading to heightened sexual excitement. The physical closeness and emotional connection fostered by kissing can enhance the overall sexual experience, deepening intimacy between partners.
16. Kissing promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety
The physical closeness and emotional connection experienced during kissing can provide comfort and reassurance, reducing anxiety. Whether it’s a gentle peck or a passionate embrace, kissing has the remarkable ability to soothe the mind and body, leaving you feeling calm and at ease.
17. Kissing stimulates the release of natural antibodies
When you kiss, you’re exposed to a variety of microorganisms present in your partner’s saliva. This exposure prompts your body to produce antibodies that helps your body fight off infections. Over time, this process strengthens your immune system, making you more resilient to infections and illnesses. So, next time you share a kiss with your loved one, remember that you’re not only expressing affection but also giving your immune system a little extra support.
18. Kissing enhances communication
Kissing allows partners to express love, desire, and affection in a way that transcends words. Through kissing, couples can communicate their feelings and emotions, deepening their connection and understanding of each other. This non-verbal form of expression can be particularly meaningful in long-term relationships, where partners may rely on subtle gestures to convey their love and commitment.
19. Kissing boosts metabolism
Kissing not only sets your heart racing but also gives your metabolism a little boost. When you passionately kiss, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels dilate, promoting better blood flow. This heightened physiological response can temporarily increase your metabolism, burning a few extra calories in the process.
20. Kissing improves mood regulation and emotional stability
Kissing is a natural mood enhancer, capable of improving mood regulation and emotional stability. Whether it’s a quick peck or a passionate kiss, the benefits of kissing on mood can be profound, leaving individuals feeling happier, calmer, and more emotionally balanced.
Having explored the numerous health benefits of kissing, it’s necessary to acknowledge that it also comes with potential side effects. Up next, we’ll explore some of the less-discussed aspects of kissing, including the viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted through this intimate act.
Side Effects of Kissing
Kissing has the potential to transmit a small amount of disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Bacteria and viruses present in saliva or blood can be transferred from one person to another through kissing. Examples of viral infections that can be spread through kissing include:
1. Cold
Common colds, or upper respiratory tract infections can be cause by various viruses. They are typically transmitted through direct contact with the virus. Colds can occur through exposure to airborne droplets or by direct contact with secretions such as fluids and mucus from the nose and throat of an infected person.
2. Glandular fever
Glandular fever, also known as the “kissing disease,” is a viral infection known as infectious mononucleosis, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus is primarily spread through saliva, and infection typically occurs via direct contact.
3. Herpes infection
Infections such as herpes, which are part of the herpes virus family, include Epstein-Barr, varicella-zoster (which causes chickenpox), and herpes simplex (responsible for cold sores). The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can be transmitted through direct contact with the virus, commonly occurring during kissing. This infection can lead to the development of cold sores, characterized by painful blisters on or around the lips. Even after the blisters have healed, the virus can still be shed from the site of the blisters, potentially infecting others.
4. Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can also be transmitted through kissing, although the virus is more concentrated in blood than in saliva. Infection can occur when infected blood or saliva comes into direct contact with someone else’s bloodstream or mucous membranes, such as those lining the mouth and nose. The risk of infection during kissing is higher if a person has open sores in or around their mouth.
5. Warts
Warts in the mouth can be spread through kissing, especially if there is a recent injury or trauma.
How to Prevent Getting Sick with Kissing
Here are a few suggestions to prevent getting sick through kissing:
- Refrain from kissing when either you or your partner are sick with a fever or cold.
- Avoid kissing if either party has active issues like cold sores, warts, or ulcers around the lips or mouth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly.
- Cough and sneeze into a handkerchief if you have a cold.
- Stay updated on vaccinations; they can help prevent certain infections such as the flu and hepatitis B.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Kissing
Advantages of Kissing:
- Improved Oral Hygiene: Kissing can help remove plaque and bacteria from teeth and gums, contributing to better oral health.
- Emotional Connection: Kissing is a way to express love, care, gratitude, and appreciation for someone, fostering emotional bonds.
- Hydrated Lips: The moisture from kissing can prevent dryness and cracking of lips, aiding in lip health and hydration.
Disadvantages of Kissing:
- Risk of Infection: Kissing can expose individuals to bacteria and viruses present in the partner’s mouth, increasing the risk of infections, especially if there are cuts or sores in the mouth.
- Transmission of Illness: Kissing can transmit contagious illnesses like colds, flu, mononucleosis, and oral infections, including cavities and gum disease.
- Hygiene Concerns: The exchange of saliva during kissing can introduce germs and bacteria, leading to oral health issues if proper hygiene is not maintained.
Bottom Line
There’s no reason to stop kissing for the sake of your health or that of your loved ones. Although disease-causing organisms can be passed through kissing, most of them are unlikely to cause illness, and the risk of serious disease is minimal. Regardless of whom you’re kissing, several benefits of kissing poses a positive influence on both your emotional and physical well-being. Kissing induces feelings of pleasure and contentment in both parties involved, fostering stronger bonds in all types of relationships. So, embrace kissing and do it frequently—it’s good for your overall health and happiness!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which lips to kiss first?
Explore the single-lip smooch if you are trying to deep-kiss for the first time. Start by paying attention to the bottom lip first.
How long should a kiss last?
6 seconds.
