The Health Benefits of Sex & Dark Chocolate

iStock_000014531708XSmallFebruary is the month of Valentine’s and heart health so I couldn’t resist having fun and commenting on two of my favorite pastimes – eating chocolate and… (And yes, I’m happily married 30 years to the same ‘lucky’ guy). 
 
So first, the health benefits of DARK chocolate:
  1. It’s great for your heart – One study showed a 1/3 decrease in heart disease for women who ate at least one serving of dark chocolate weekly. Another study showed that one dark chocolate square a day lowered blood pressure reducing heart disease and stroke by 39%.
  2. It helps prevent diabetes – The flavonoids found in dark chocolate help improve insulin sensitivity
  3. It helps you stay smart – Researchers from Oxford University studied the diets of more than 2,000 people over age 70. They found that those who ate foods rich in flavonoids such as dark chocolate, wine and tea scored higher on cognitive tests than those who didn’t.
  4. It makes you feel happier – Dark chocolate is the richest known source of theobromine a strong mood enhancer. It also contains phenethylamine, a neurochemical associated with sexual arousal and pleasure.  AND it boosts your levels of serotonin, another happy hormone.
Second, the health benefits of sex:

  1. It decreases stress levels - A study from the University of West Scotland showed that those who had sex at least once every 2 weeks were able to handle stressful events better. It’s also been shown that the endorphins and oxytocin released during sex activate pleasure centers in the brain that create feelings of intimacy and relaxation and help prevent anxiety and depression.
  2. It may reduce your risk of heart disease – Research suggests a link between frequency of sex and lower blood pressure. A recent New England Research Institute study showed that men who have sex twice a week are 65% less likely to develop heart disease than those who have sex once a month or less. 
  3. It may lessen pain – Sexual arousal releases a hormone that helps raise your pain threshold.
  4. It improves sleep – The same endorphins that help reduce your stress levels will relax your mind and body preparing you for sleep.
  5. It reduces colds and flus – A study from Wilkes University in Pennsylvania showed that those who have regular sex have higher levels of the immunoglobulin IgA, a key antibody for combatting these diseases.
  6. It helps you look younger - A study from the Royal Edinburg Hospital showed that those who enjoyed sex an average of 4 times / week looked 7 to 12 years younger than their actual age. Regular sex promotes the release of estrogen and testosterone, 2 hormones that help support healthy skin and less aging.
  7. It gives you a good physical workout – Healthy sex can burn from 85 to 250 calories.
Take good care of your heart, mind and emotions this month (and every month). Indulge in a small amount of dark chocolate and spend some extra ‘special’ time with your life partner and soul mate. 
 
Product of the Month
USANA’s Biomega
The omega 3’s found in USANA’s Biomega are an essential part of having a healthy heart and a healthy sex life. They reduce inflammation and help prevent the build-up of plaque in arteries, an important key to keeping your heart healthy. They are also the building block of sex hormones for both men and women and help raise dopamine levels associated with sexual response.
 
What makes USANA’s BiOmega exceptional is that it is essentially free of harmful contaminants like mercury because of its double distillation process. It also contains concentrated doses of DHA, a beneficial fat for the maintenance of good health. And BiOmega contains an additional dose of vitamin D, a nutrient found deficient in the average diet. BiOmega is also formulated with lemon oil to kill the fishy aftertaste found in other fish oil supplements.

To learn more, click here. 

If you would like to order any of the USANA products, please contact me at dr.diana@1stgethealthy.com or order here.
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