5 Surprising things science has learned about kissing
Published on Thu Feb 6 2020 in Lifestyle
Snog, smooch, make out… Whatever you call it, kissing is a part of nearly every culture the world over. A kiss can be part of a friendly greeting or a show of affection between loved ones. However, romantic kissing could do more than just quicken your heart rate. Scientists are finding interesting effects a serious pash can have on improving people’s health! Here are five of our favourites:
1. It can help reduce stress
Couples who pash often may feel less stressed than those who don’t. A 2009 study found that kissing and being affectionate with a partner helped lower cortisol (the stress hormone) throughout the day1. The couples who participated also said they were happier in their relationship after the study finished than the control group!
2. It might lower cholesterol
That same study also discovered that the participants who were asked to kiss romantically had lower cholesterol levels at the end of the study period. Whilst more research is needed, this might mean that very affectionate couples could lower their risk of developing heart disease, a health issue closely tied to high cholesterol.
3. It may relieve allergy symptoms
Allergy sufferers may have a new way to fight back. Two studies in Japan had participants kiss their significant others for 30 minutes in a private room whilst listening to soft music. Afterwards, subjects showed signs of relief from their allergic reactions, including fewer and less painful hives2. This all goes back to reducing stress, as allergic reactions can be made worse by anxiety.
4. It could boost your immunity
Couples who smooch frequently share more than just affection. They’re also exchanging germs, which can help strengthen their immune systems by exposing them to new bacteria. One study found that pairs who kiss at least nine times a day were more likely to share the same bacteria in their saliva and on their tongues, potentially giving their immunity a boost at the same time3.
5. It might help fight cavities
Snogging could help keep teeth strong and healthy. When people kiss our bodies often make more saliva—not to mention any extra that may be shared by a partner! This helps wash away plaque from the teeth, potentially preventing cavities.4 However, dentists are quick to point out that kissing shouldn’t replace regular brushing and flossing!
A quick kiss could brighten and loved one’s day! For more ways to bring a smile to someone’s face, try these 42 Easy ways to show more kindness.
1. Western Journal of Communication, Kissing in Marital and Cohabitating Relationships
2. Physiology & Behavior, Kissing reduces allergic skin wheal responses and plasma neurotrophin levels; Journal of Psychosomatic Research, Kissing selectively decreases allergen-specific IgE production in atopic patients
3. Microbiome, Shaping the oral microbiota through intimate kissing
4. WebMD, What’s so great about kissing?
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About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
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