Saturday Seven (7 Benefits Of Kissing)

1. A kiss boosts immunity. (I'm not making this up, medical tests have proven it!) Anytime you lock lips, you're not just swapping spit... you're also swapping germs. A majority of the bacteria in your saliva is common to everyone, but around 20% are unique to the individual. So, the process of kissing triggers your body to produce antibodies to fight the foreign bacteria. It's like a vaccination, minus the hour in the waiting room and sore arm. Of course, this positive side effect is only relevant if you're smooching a healthy person... you wouldn't want a "vaccination" from, let's say, the guy or girl at the bar with a mysterious blister and runny nose. Serious e-w-w-w factor! Now, moving right along....

2. A good kiss busts stress. (I'll say!) A recent Lafayette College study found that when you're kissing someone, your body releases oxytocin, a calming chemical; endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals; and dopamine, which promotes bonding. Aim for a 20-second smooch to get mood-boosting benefits.

3. A kiss may ease allergies. A study in Japan found that 30 minutes of kissing (time to revert back to middle school make-out days) can slow histamine production, providing some relief from sneezing and running nose symptoms associated with hay fever. My college room mate used to call me the king of trivia. Knowing these amazing, but uninteresting-to-anyone-but-me facts have brought me a long way!

4. Kissing is actually good for your teeth. (I kid you not!) Even during non-sloppy exchanges, kissing produces bonus saliva. This helps neutralize acids which can cause decay and washes away food particles and cavity-inducing plaque that's beginning to form. Some experts even think that the mineral salts in saliva may help bolster enamel, giving you stronger chompers.

5. Kissing actually counts as a light workout! It's estimated that kissing can burn up to 6 calories a minute and that you enlist approximately 30 facial muscles. This may not exactly erase cellulite or give you flat abs, but you can feel slightly less guilty about having another glass of wine or ordering post-date dessert.

6. Kissing, if done correctly, can lead to something more... (Need I say anything else?)

7. Finally, kissing is fun! You could be doing something a lot worse.