LOOK YOUNGER .

A long-term study of 3,500 people between the ages of 30 and 101 found that regular sex may shave between four and seven years off your physical appearance. Researchers at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland presented photos of the subjects to an impartial panel of judges, who were asked to guess their ages.

The people who were judged to be the youngest were also those who had the most sex. What's the connection between youthfulness and getting it on. In addition to boosting self-esteem and confidence, sex increases the production of human growth hormone, which is known to improve muscle tone.

But there are some more surprising benefits of having sex, many of which are just beginning to be explored. An intriguing theme is emerging from the research: Not only does being healthy support your sex life, but sex actually supports your health.

So forget about an apple a day. To feel healthier, look younger, and live longer, an orgasm or two a week may be an effective -- and certainly enjoyable -- remedy.