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WHAT promises a better physique, stronger immunity, longer life? No, not a wonder drug, but something right within your bedroom8212;lovemak...

WHAT promises a better physique, stronger immunity, longer life? No, not a wonder drug, but something right within your bedroom8212;lovemaking. It8217;s not just a 20-minute adrenalin rush, but a potion to upgrade the quality of your life.

What are the benefits of having sex?
Dr Prakash Kothari, professor and head of sexual health at KEM Hospital, Mumbai, lists the upsides:

Great workout: An energetic round in bed is better than four in a park8212;sex burns approximately 150 calories in half an hour.

Studies show that a good bedroom romp provides the same benefits as gym time: Improved circulation, lower cholesterol and feel-good endorphins.

Good immunity: People who have sex at least twice a week enjoy higher levels of Immunoglobin A, the antibody that fends off illness.

Happiness: In addition to the boost in satisfaction levels, feeling secure in a relationship leads to a greater sense of well-being.Women benefit with better skin and younger looks. But, experts are divided on this.

BODY SHOTS

Can sex be good for you? They think so:

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8226; A State University of New York study found that women who had regular sex were significantly less
depressed than those who didn8217;t

8226; People who have regular sex handle stress better.
Orgasms relax even the most anxious lover and pave the way for better sleep

8226; A British study of 1,000 men found that those who had at least two orgasms per week had half the death rate of those who climaxed less than once a month

8226; Sex can make you look younger, according to neuropsychologist David Weeks, who found that men and women who reported having sex an average of four times per week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were

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Any cautions?
8216;8216;No sex is better than bad8212;read forced8212;sex. Also, when neither partner is satisfied, there are no benefits. Sex is the climax of love, don8217;t look at it as a substitute for a morning walk,8217;8217; says Dr Kothari.

How does lovemaking induce happiness?
That has to do with the emotional health of a relationship. 8216;8216;If a couple is happily in love then sex is a part of it. It improves general well-being and spins off health benefits,8217;8217; says Dr Sameer Parikh, a Delhi-based psychiatrist.

8216;8216;Generally, a person is less prone to disease when they8217;re happy,8221; adds Parikh.

Does it have an impact on longevity?
Yes. According to Dr Kothari, the rate of suicide among divorced and single people is higher than among those in a committed relationship.

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8220;The onus is on companionship, not the sexual act itself. Communication and companionship lead to good sex and the attendant benefits,8217;8217; he says.