The surprising benefits of sex on our brain and body

Have you ever wondered how sex affects our intelligence? Well, it turns out that engaging in regular sexual activity not only brings pleasure, but also has numerous benefits for our brain and general well-being. Let's delve into the fascinating ways sex makes us smarter and healthier.

Boosting brain power with pleasure

In 2014, a team of researchers from the University of Maryland conducted a study that demonstrated how regular sexual activity contributes to the formation of new brain cells and improves cognitive abilities. This means that having sex can actually make us think faster and more efficiently.

Barry Komisaruk, professor of biology and Ph.D., along with his team at Rutgers University, have devoted 25 years of research to the study of the female orgasm. Their experiments using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) revealed that approximately 30 areas of the brain are activated during orgasm. This surge of neural activity not only fires up our pleasure centers, but also feeds our brain with essential nutrients and oxygen, resulting in improved cognitive function.

Also, the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine during orgasm makes us feel satisfied and happy. With each sexual encounter, dopamine synthesis increases, strengthening the association between sex and positive mood, thus prompting us to seek more sexual experiences.

Sex as a remedy for depression

Although sex cannot replace professional psychological support or the need for antidepressants in severe cases, its role in the fight against depression should not be overlooked. The hormonal cocktail that is released during sex, including serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, helps elevate our mood and promote feelings of love and affection for our partners. This hormonal surge helps alleviate symptoms of depression by providing relaxation, improving sleep quality and counteracting the lack of daily joyful moments.

Improved memory and concentration
A 2010 study confirmed that sexual activity leads to an increase in brain cells in the hippocampus, the region responsible for long-term memory. This suggests that sex can potentially improve memory function. For women over 50 who may have memory problems, regular sexual activity or masturbation has been found to improve their ability to concentrate and think clearly.

Seeing sex as an activity that helps us focus on the present moment, it's no wonder that some experts even recommend engaging in sexual activity during periods of intense mental concentration, such as student exam periods.

The downside of pornography
While the benefits of sexual activity are obvious, the same cannot be said for pornography consumption. A recent study published in the Journal of Sex Research revealed that exposure to pornographic images negatively affects our working memory - the ability to retain information for immediate use by our brain's cognitive systems. Thus, while healthy sexual activity may improve cognitive function, occasional viewing of pornographic content does not produce the same positive effects.

Preserving youthful vitality

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a hormone associated with aging processes, declines with age. While excessive intake of this hormone poses health risks, participating in sexual activities naturally increases DHEA levels in the body. This hormone not only improves brain function and stimulates the formation of new brain cells, but also positively affects our immune system and skin health.

In conclusion, it is clear that sex has remarkable effects on our brain and body. From enhancing cognitive abilities to fighting depression and staying young, the benefits of healthy sexual activity are truly astounding. So the next time you engage in consensual sexual activity with your partner, remember that you're not just sharing an intimate moment, you're also contributing to your overall well-being.

Remember, the key lies in seeing sexuality as a natural and integral part of our lives, while keeping in mind its positive impact on our mental and physical health.