WASHINGTON – Pucker up! You can burn calories just by kissing.

But that’s not the only benefit from the affectionate gesture. Sex and relationship expert Dr. Laura Berman has some other encouraging information about kissing.

For example, kissing someone for more than a minute could burn 25 or more calories. Do the math: Treadmill for 30 minutes or smooching? That’s a no-brainer.

If you’re stressed out, kissing also can help you unwind. And it can aid in boosting the immune system, with research suggesting smooching even can help women ward off certain diseases.

Oxytocin, the brain’s feel-good chemical, is released when people kiss. On top of that, saliva can give partners physiological information that might let them know if they’re not with the right person.

The best part: You don’t need a prescription.

Just a partner.

Check out this slide show for more information.

WTOP’s David Burd contributed to this report. Follow @DavidBurdWTOP and @WTOP on Twitter.

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