There’s nothing quite like the
tingly feeling of a heart in love. Evidence shows that light, happy feeling
extends to your entire body and your overall health, too. Here are five reasons
to love.
1. Heal your heart.
It’s
little wonder why we associate love with the heart – being in love has been found to provide an array of
benefits to our heart health.
A study from the University of Pittsburgh, US,
found women who were happy in their marriages had a lower risk of
cardiovascular disease than those in stressfulrelationships.
Other US
research also indicates that those in satisfying relationships are three times
more likely to survive heart surgery and are more inclined to express their
emotions, which has a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
2.
Improve your mental health
Want
to stave off feelings of loneliness? Fall in love. New Zealand research shows
that those in long-term relationships of more than five years are less likely
to be depressed. Experts
believe that the company and sense of connection that a significant other
provides helps ward off feelings of loneliness and isolation-induced
negativity.
3.
Lower your blood pressure
Long
hugs with your partner followed by a 10-minute talk can dramatically lower
blood pressure and boost levels of oxytocin, a relaxing horemone, according to
US research. Snuggle up!
4.
Stay young
Love
and its sexy cousin, sex, have been found to
keep our appearances youthful. Scottish research indicates that women who have
sex four or more times a week look up to 10 years younger than their real age.
Not only does sex have amazing physical and emotional benefits, but passion in
the bedroom has been associated with a dedication to looking after our bodies
as well as the stimulation of a range of youth-invoking hormones and responses.
5.
Fight ovarian cancer
Research
has shown that ovarian cancer patients in satisfying relationships
and with a strong sense of connection to others had more vigorous cell activity
at the site of tumours compared with those who lacked those social ties.