Looking to burn a few calories?

Skip the running shoes and slather on some lip balm instead.

"Research has shown that kissing provides a variety of health benefits-from burning calories to lowering blood pressure," says Andrea Demirjian, author of the new book Kissing – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life's Sweetest Pleasures. Apparently, it can prevent cavities too. "The saliva works to wash away plaque," she adds.

From friendly hellos and affectionate pecks to the more hot and heated, there are several types of kisses. But, notes Demirjian, to reap the body benefits you have to engage in the latter.

"To get the calorie burning, heart conditioning, endorphin rush health benefits you really need to engage in passionate kissing," she says. "Just like a workout, you've got to get the heart rate up, and feel a little heated to reap the results."

Depending on the intensity of the kiss, you can burn up to 6 calories per minute. The math: three sultry smooches a day, that last at least 5 minutes, can peel off 90 calories-or approximately three squares of milk chocolate.

Of course, the perfect, passionate kiss is more than just tongue twisting.

A plump pucker is also a factor, making the kiss that much more steamy. Lip plumping products are the quickest, most obvious way to achieve fullness, but when in a pinch (kissing is not always a planned event), rub a tissue over the lips. It helps to stimulate blood flow, which in turn creates a fuller effect to the lips.

While passionate kisses are more favorable for fat burning, don't dismiss those small, sweet pecks. "Gentle, sweet smooching releases feel good chemicals in the brain that help relieve tension," says Demirjian.

And if that's not enough to get you puckering, maybe this will have you lip locked: kissing may have the ability to boost your wealth potential. A study conducted by German physicians and psychologists concluded that those who regularly kissed their spouse before heading off to work made more money.

"Kissing has a way of putting a spring in your step and inspiring confidence, which can make you more productive," says Demirjian.

We'll kiss to that.