ORGASMS are a better workout for the brain than sudokus, scientists reveal
Researchers have discovered that a steamy session in the sack could keep your grey matter in better shape than tricky brain teasers
NOW there is a good excuse to have sex on the brain.
A steamy session in the sack is better for your mind than head-scratching puzzles, according to scientists who reckon we can BONK our way to better brain function.
For years it was thought that tackling tricky cross-words and baffling brain teasers such as sudoku were a great way to keep your grey matter in shape.
But researchers looking at what goes on in the brain when people have sex have discovered regular orgasms are a much better workout.
Expert in the field Delia McCabe, whose book Feed Your Brain is out now, says: “Having an orgasm is better for your brain than playing sudoku.
“Lowering your blood pressure is good for your heart and we know that what is good for the heart is also good for your brain.
“During sex the whole brain is involved. Research has shown that the increased blood flow means there is also increased nutrient supply.
“Passionate sex releases hormones that help the brain stay young — helping to fight off the effects of ageing, such as memory loss.
“Plus, sex is a great natural de-stresser.”
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With blood pressure a key indicator of stress, we put the theory to the test with the help of handyman Wayne Banks, 40, and his wife Heather, 39, from Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
We asked the couple parents to Rowan, seven, and Harry, five, to test their blood pressure after completing a sudoku – then again after sex.
Heather said: “Wayne and I have a great and adventurous sex life — we’re always up for trying new things and we have sex three or four times a week. I used to think it would raise your blood pressure, not lower it, because I know that active sex raises your heart rate.
“To relax, I tend to curl up on the sofa and do things like sudoku puzzles.
“We both took our blood pressure after doing the puzzles and were not surprised to see that, for both of us, it had come down slightly.
“That night we had fairly vigorous sex. Five minutes after we had finished, we each took our blood pressure again. The results were astonishing — it had dropped as if by magic. We were amazed at the outcome.
“Whatever the reason, it means we are going to concentrate on sex to relax.”
Wayne added: “I’m delighted at the results.
“Anything that shows that sex is healthier for you than a night in doing crosswords is all right by me.”
My View by Carol Cooper, Sun Doctor
BLOOD pressure is just one measure of stress. It normally rises during sex – so it is no real surprise to find it drops afterwards.
Orgasm makes blood vessels dilate, which tends to reduce pressure.
Exercise is a well-known stress-buster, so this is another reason I’d expect sex to be a better form of stress relief.
Wayne and Heather describe having vigorous sex, whereas all you move when doing a Sudoku is a pencil – accompanied, perhaps, by a little head scratching.