5 ways sex benefits your health

Since heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, health professionals jump at any measure to reduce risk. When looking for ways to lower your own risk, you can add regular sex to your list.

In one study by the New England Research Institute, researchers looked at data from a 16-year period for men ages 40-70 years old. Interestingly, the researchers found that men who had sex twice per week decreased their risk of heart disease by a staggering 50 percent.

Why does sex lower the risk? First, it provides a great form of moderate exercise, burning around 70-100 calories per half hour. You can compare it to climbing stairs or power walking, an intensity that even most stable heart disease patients can handle.

In addition, sex also reduces stress, anxiety, and frustration, even in the midst of a stressful schedule. Without it, you may get more irritable and take on more work, thus increasing the strain on your body.