The Health Benefits of Love

It’s the topic of an estimated one million-plus songs, appearing in the title of thousands of musical selections. It makes the world go ‘round. It’s all we need. Even when we swear we’ll never fall for it again, we can’t help falling into it. The world celebrates it with a popular holiday in mid-February. “It,” of course, is love. And there appears to be plenty of reasons to celebrate this much-sung-about event, as research backs up what many folks already suspected—that love is good for a person.

Check out these science-proven boons love brings to your health and well-being.

Pain relief

When in pain, turning to a loved one for comfort helps. Even gazing at said loved one via a picture is reported to ease the ache. According to a study in PLOS One, looking at a picture of someone you’re in love with can lessen pain by up to 40 percent. Activating the brain’s reward center with a snapshot of your loved one is thought to trigger the release of natural opioids.

An immunity boost

Baran Kilical, MD,  cardiologist, and cardiac electrophysiologist, reports on a study of more than 400 adults, where researchers discovered the more often people hugged, the more their chances of getting sick decreased. The same study found that adults who indicated they have a secure social support system had fewer cold symptoms than those who said their support system was lacking. 

Less depression

In reviewing a bounty of studies on marriage and health, the Health and Human Services Department found that getting married and staying married reduces depression in both men and women. Reis sees these findings as “not surprising because social isolation is clearly linked to higher rates of depression.” But if a significant other is lacking in your life at present, don’t despair! Scientists have also shown that a strong network of friends, family, neighbors, and other significant connections boost the odds of a long, healthy life by 50%. 

Dr. Kilical concurs. “Some of these health benefits still apply to people who have a strong social support system. Positive, close relationships with family members and friends can keep you healthier, too.”

So, vow to nurture and appreciate the loving relationships in your life every day, long after the reds and pinks of Valentine’s Day are packed away for another year.