Summer is not only the season of vacations, but also of love and sex. Warm months predispose to passion, strong emotions, desire and pleasure. The summer sun doubles testosterone levels, increasing libido as well, say researchers from Boston State Hospital in the US. The sun’s rays stimulate the production of vitamin D, which in turn increases the production of the hormone. It is known that by practicing sex, we also burn calories. According to a new survey, 87% of women cite sex as their favorite way to exercise and maintain their figure. The ladies even prefer it to shopping, which is second in the list. Sex games burn just over 4 calories per minute. According to experts, the calories obtained from eating four chocolates melt away with half an hour of love. Of course, having sex has a number of other health benefits as well. Here are a few of them… 1. Protects against heart disease Practicing sex 3 times a week halves the risk of heart attack or stroke, found a study by the King’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Another study showed that women who had two orgasms a week had a 30% lower risk of heart disease than women who did not enjoy sex often. These women are likely to feel depressed, which is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, says Dr. Lisa Turner, a sex therapist. The endorphins released during sex also neutralize stress hormones in the body that are linked to heart disease. 2. Strengthens bones Regular sex increases estrogen production. According to researchers, the hormone protects bone health. Its low levels after menopause are associated with a risk of developing osteoporosis, says Dr Peter Simpkins of England’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Menopausal women who have sex every week have 2 times higher levels of estrogen compared to abstainers, American scientists have found. 3. Protects against prostate cancer According to scientists, there is a relationship between the frequency of ejaculation and the development of prostate cancer. Men who enjoy a regular sex life are at a lower risk of developing cancer, research shows. Men with more frequent ejaculations – from 13 to 20 per month, have a 14% lower risk of the disease, and those with more than 21 per month – 33%. NEWS_MORE_BOX 4. Quit smoking Sex is a great reason to quit smoking. A number of studies show the harmful effects of long-term smoking on sexual health, for example an increased risk of impotence. A study involving over 7,000 men found that the more cigarettes smoked per day, the higher the risk of impotence. An erection is linked to good blood flow, but smoking impairs blood flow to penile porous tissues, says urologist Dr. Raj Persad. As a result,they are deprived of oxygen and the delicate cells die. They then become fibrous, forming connective tissue that is less elastic and less able to expand during erection than normal healthy tissue. Smoking is also a known cause of erectile dysfunction as it hardens the arteries and prevents good blood flow. According to a Finnish study, men who have sex three or more times a week reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction by four times. 5. Sedative For a man, a powerful orgasm is equivalent to taking 2-3 mg of diazepam, says Dr. Aaron Ghosh, a specialist in the field of sexual health. Diazepam works as a muscle relaxant, which explains why a man’s erection does not last after ejaculation, there is actually a biological reason. Women also benefit, emotionally. The endorphins that are released during sex can help relieve depression as well as clear the mind. 6. Protective effect against incontinence Being active during sex is a good workout for a woman’s pelvic muscles, says Dr Gillian Vanhegan of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This has its benefits in reducing the risk of stress incontinence and prolapse later in life. 7. Beautifies and rejuvenates According to experts, better appearance and self-confidence are due precisely to regular sex. One reason is that sex increases the level of the hormone estrogen in women, which makes hair shiny and skin soft.which makes hair shiny and skin soft.which makes hair shiny and skin soft.