Ah, love. That unmistakable feeling you get from that someone special. Romanticized in movies and television shows and books, love even has a holiday dedicated to it. But, did you know there are some health benefits from being in love? It’s true.
Health Benefits of Being in Love
1. A healthy heart
When some people think Valentine’s Day, they think of love, probably chocolate and maybe red wine. If you’re giving your special someone a gift of red wine or chocolate, you could be doing something good for their heart’s health. Both may be good for your heart because they are rich in protective antioxidants. In an Ask the Expert column, Dr. Vivek Kesara explains, “Certain antioxidants have been shown to lower the risk for heart disease by increasing the levels of high-density lipoproteins (known as “good” cholesterol) in the blood and defending the arteries against damage.”
Now, don’t go out and start drinking or consuming large amounts of chocolate and wine. While these items can be part of a nutritious diet, moderation is key.
2. Lower blood pressure
A study conducted by the US Department of Health and Human Servicesfound that happily married couples had lower blood pressure levels than unmarried people. Not married? No problem. According to the Journal of Psychology and Aging, people with loving, quality friendships had lower blood pressure than those without.
3. Boosted immunity
According to an article in The Washington Post titled “Health benefits of falling and staying in love,” researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that individuals who experience positive emotions—the kind that could arise from being in a happy relationship—were more resistant to the common cold than those who felt anxious, hostile or depressed.
4. Better self-care
In that same Washington Post article, Julianne Holt-Lunstad, an associate professor of psychology at Brigham Young University, says, “Loving spouses tend to encourage preventive care, reinforce healthy behaviors such as exercise and flossing, and dissuade unhealthy ones, such as heavy drinking.” She continues, “Romantic relationships also can provide a sense of meaning and purpose in life that can translate to better self-care and less risk taking.”
So, what does all of this mean?
Embrace the heart-shaped confetti. Embrace Valentine’s Day. And, most importantly, embrace the love—whether it’s romantic love from a partner, companionship from a friend, or the kind of unconditional love that can only come from your children—embrace it. And, keep the health benefits coming!
Happy Valentines Day!