Kissing is undeniably one of the most erotic, physically stimulating parts of a relationship. In addition, most people are aware of the way in which it can increase a couple’s intimacy. There are, however, also many health benefits which can be gained from kissing a loved one. These include:
1. An Uplifted Mood
During exercise, there are several chemicals which are released that improve both an individual’s mood and energy levels. Some of these are also released during a kiss including:
Oxytocin – this hormone helps to promote a feeling of calm and well-being which can be helpful in counteracting anxiety and encouraging relaxation. Also known as the ‘love’ hormone, oxytocin is released during meditation and responsible for a heightened sense of intimacy.
Serotonin – this hormone promotes an overall good feeling.
In addition to increasing the production of these ‘happy hormones,’ kissing also decreases the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in our bodies.
2. Maintaining a Youthful Appearance
Kissing, especially when a bit of tongue wrestling comes into play, uses many facial muscles which would otherwise be rarely used. This in turn helps to tone up areas such as the jaw and neckline, which would otherwise tend to sag. A large amount of blood also rushes to the face during a kiss, which helps to stimulate the production of collagen that is a key component of elasticity in the skin.
3. Lower Blood Pressure 
During an intense lip lock it is sometimes possible to not only feel the pressure of your partner’s lips, but to also hear and feel the heavy beating of their heart. This healthy increase helps to dilate blood vessels to boost the way in which the blood pumps through the body. Pressure on the blood vessel on the lips also causes blood to rush from the face to other body parts including many vital organs.
4. Boosts Oral Hygiene
One of the main reasons for our body’s production of saliva is to remove food particles from within the mouth as well as decrease the production of plaque. Kissing releases saliva from both partners and this exchange can double the body’s natural oral hygiene.
5. Boosts Immunity
The human immune system becomes stronger based on the number of bacteria that it is exposed to. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria which can be found in each person’s saliva. The more saliva, and therefore bacteria, that is exchanged with kisses means that partners will both begin to build up resistance to the same types of infection.
6. Determines Compatibility
Whenever we begin kissing someone else our senses become heightened and our bodies go into overdrive to determine whether we are genetically compatible with the other person. Even though the first time might be an exception, as nerves and unfamiliarity might play a factor, if there are no sparks flying by the second time you kiss a possible partner this might be a good indication that you should just remain friends.
References:
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/14/health/upwave-kissing/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4242810/Eight-reasons-KISSING-good-health.html
http://www.rd.com/advice/relationships/5-benefits-of-kissing/
