Everyone agrees that kissing is good for your relationship, but many wonder if it does your body any good. Stop wondering, it turns out that giving your lips a workout i.e. kissing burns calories. Therefore, not only does this act of love get your heart rate pumping, it can burn some serious calories coupled with other health benefits of kissing.

Does kissing burns calories?

Kissing isn't just fun as kissing burns calories too. But, how many calories are burned in the act of kissing is something that's dependent on how you do it. On giving a passive kiss, you'll have less effect on calories burned. However, a more rigorous kiss can raise the calorie-meter by much more.

Moreover, you'll burn more calories standing than sitting, and even more if you move about than remain still. According to the University of New Mexico, oxygen consumption is the key to burning calories. Therefore, if you get to the point where you are breathing heavily, your kissing burns calories by a faster rate.

How many calories does kissing burn?

Studies claim:

A spirited kiss may burn upto 90 to 120 calories per hour. This figure translates to 2 calories per minute. Now, obviously shedding 2 calories isn't something to be proud of. And, you probably won't drop pounds just by kissing, but it won't hurt either since kissing is certainly more pleasant than running on the treadmill.

Also read: Top 10 Lifestyle Changes to Stop Snoring

Top 7 Health Benefits of Kissing

Here are some interesting ways how kissing can have a positive affect on your health.

Fights illness One of the counterintuitive health benefits of kissing is that it's great for keeping away illnesses. Ofcourse, swapping spit may lead to a large number of bacteria transfer, however, it isn't necessarily a bad thing. Since, kissing is a great way to fend off viruses especially if all that kissing leads to sex. This fact is supported by a number of research that claims that participants who had sex more than once a week had higher levels of the infection-fighting antibody immunoglobulin. Also, kissing between couples can also transfers germs that can protect their children from certain diseases.
Decreases pain Decreased pain is another health benefit of kissing. As you indulge in the act of kissing, your body releases adrenaline and endorphins. This adrenaline reduces the feelings of aches and pains in the body. Alongside, a study states, kissing produces a chemical in the body named histamine in response to injury and as an allergic and inflammatory reaction. Also, providing relief from sneezing and running nose.
Lowers stress Kissing isn't just good for your heart but also for your mind. It is believed that kissing lowers the cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone. Also, cortisol levels have a negative effect on our immune system, endocrine system and brain health. Therefore, another benefit of kissing is that it lowers stress levels in individuals. You can also go for a cortisol level test.
Helps reduce blood pressure Not only does kissing burns calories but kissing increases the heartbeat in a healthy way that helps lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. And, also helps in proper flow of blood that gets transferred to all your vital organs.
Helps fight cavities Another unknown fact that revolves around the health benefits of kissing is, kissing helps fight cavities. How's is that possible? It is, while you're kissing, you secrete more saliva in your mouth. This mechanism neutralizes acids that causes decays and washes away the plaque on your teeth that leads to cavities.
Makes you feel happy Benefits of Kissing, your emotional framework too as it amps your happy hormones. Studies have found that when one is involved in the act of kissing, one's body releases oxytocin (a calming chemical), endorphins (which are the feel-good chemicals) and dopamine (which promotes bonding).
Can rejuvenate your face Another health benefits of kissing is that it can help you give a facelift. Since, a kiss exercises all your facial muscles it can shape up the neck and jawline. Therefore, kissing can tone up your facial muscles and also helps in fighting wrinkles.