A kiss is more than just a kiss
US scientists have found that kissing might be an evolutionary tool we unconsciously use to determine the suitability of a potential lover. Saliva exchanged during kissing contains a complex combination of chemicals and it is believed that these give each kisser clues as to the sexual ‘fitness’ of the other.
“Chimpanzees and bonobos kiss. Foxes lick each other’s faces. Birds tap their bills together and elephants put their trunks in one another’s mouths. So why do we do it? I think it is a tool for mate assessment. When you kiss, you can touch, see, feel, taste somebody. A huge part of our brain lights up. “
Kissing also appears to promote bonding through the raising of oxytocin during kissing and the reduction of the stress hormone cortisol.
