Love = Endorphins + Oxytocin

Before you think I've gone mad after studying for days for my drug paper, I just want to say, "I'm okay." Ha. Then why Love = endorphins + oxytocin? It sounds so chemical right?
Well, actually I read this article from the Straits Time, the Wednesday issue of "Mind your body" and found it rather interesting and so thought that it would be nice if I share this with my buddies who have finally found their one true love(you know who you are!)

Firstly, the "honeymoon" period of a relationship, normally lasting up till months from the day you finally touch her soft silky hands.

Passionate love is a state of intense longing for union with the other person and of intense psychological arousal, which can cause high energy, eurphoria, elation and even idealisation.

This effect is due to a potent cocktail of chemicals, one of which is adrenaline. Adrenaline caused increased oxygen intake and increased blood sugar to the muscles which creates the familiar "fight or flight" syndrome.

The frequent presence of a loved one can also trigger the production of a neurochemical called endorphins which produce a sense of calm and peace.

Endorphins are a group chemicals produced by the brain and as they travel through the bloodstream, they act as natural painkillers and also create a sense of well-being.

But of course we all know that eventually the honeymoon period will end. Then what keeps the relationship going? The answer is a chemical called Oxytocin which plays an important role in bonding.

In humans, Oxytocin is stimulated by touch and produces feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. (Now the more reason to touch your partner. Oops!) Oxytocin, is also released by both sexes during... The O word lah. Don't want to write the word here in case there are under aged readers. Ha.

That's why intercourse is part of the key to a successful marriage. Of course I'm referring to after marriage not before.. tzk tzk... shame on those naughty ones who break the rules! Ha.

Some more interesting chemical facts: Love cause serotonin levels in the brain to drop, causing obsessive behaviour. (Now we know why it's always to tough to shake off that pesky suitor!) Love also increase production of cortisol, which can cause high blood pressure and loss of sleep!

Ha, if you think all these chemical terms are too much to take, imagine how I must be feeling trying to remember hundreds of them!!! Ha. I'm glad I'm not a doctor. Or I'll just tell my nurse, "Err.. you go take that bottle of white liquid and give the patient one spoonful."

Nurse: Which one doc?

Dr Siu: Neh, that one loh, the one a bit thick one. Taste a bit sweet one.

Nurse: ... Err.. Doc, you mean that bottle over there, in cabinet A?

Dr Siu: Oh yah yah. That one. Sorry, can't seem to remember the name.

Nurse: Doc, that is Magnolia Full Cream Milk!

Ha. Last interesting fact, 60% cocoa dark chocolate can give the brain a more intense and longer buzz than the most passionate kiss. Wow, gonna pay a visit to my favorite candy stall tomorrow!