Some interesting facts about kissing

After all, International Kissing Day isn't just a day to celebrate kisses between couples or lovers, but also between friends, or a mother and her child.

In honour of IKD, here are some surprising facts about kisses, smooches, smacks, and even French kisses:

Kissing activates 34 facial muscles. Impressive, isn't it? So forget the gym, and feel the burn by spending some quality time with your partner (after all, making love for 30 minutes can burn up to 350 calories).

Apparently, French kissing is great for your immune system. During an average make-out session, you'll exchange 50 million bacteria with your partner, which will help your body fight viruses, infections and allergies. On the other hand, if you are already sick, avoid kissing anyone, as you might pass your illness on.

Kissing someone will make you feel relaxed and much less stressed. Why? Because kissing releases oxytocin (a hormone that lowers your blood pressure and heart rate) and endorphins (the happiness hormone).

Mothers can tell right away if their children are feverish or not by kissing them. Cute. As for you singletons, kissing will allow you to gather olfactory information about potential partners. Amazing!

Many, if not all, sexual encounters begin with a kiss. Kissing allows both partners to have a pleasure-filled erotic experience, to get to know each other and to explore each other's bodies with their mouths!