Surprising Health Benefits of Love

People are born with a thirst for connection and a sense of belonging. Love is the most powerful form of human connection. Although most people report to experience great pain and stress from love, a calm and stable romantic relationship actually brings about plenty of health benefits.

Better general well-being

Findings suggest that married people are less likely to get sick than those who are single. Even if they do get sick, their hospital stays are often shorter than average as well. Scientists believe that the reason behind this is that when the social needs of human beings are satisfied, their biological systems work better. Also, a good relationship helps people take better care of themselves. A loving spouse will remind you of your unhealthy habits and urge you to eat and sleep better, which will result in fewer health conditions.

Less depression and drug use

Since being isolated socially greatly increases one’s risk of depression, staying in a marriage may reduce depression in both men and women. Married people are also better at refraining themselves from alcohol consumption and drug use.

Lower blood pressure

A study found that people with a satisfying marriage won the place of the best blood pressure. The runner-up was the single group, whereas people in an unhappy marriage suffered the worst blood pressure. The results show that the quality of the marriage is what matters, not the marriage itself alone. It’s quite soothing for single people as results support that other social relationships may also be beneficial to one’s health. So, if you are single and you have a healthy social life, there is nothing to worry about.

Manage pain more effectively

Studies show that love may help people control their pain reaction more effectively. Also, married couples are found to complain less about headaches and back pain. Another prominent study involves subjecting 16 married women to the threat of an electric shock. Once the women were allowed to hold their husband’s hand, the brain region associated with stress responses is significantly less active. Love is believed to work the same with stress. People cope better with challenges if they have the support from those they love.

Reduce risk of angina and ulcers in men

If you are a man, you may get even more benefits from love. A study reveals that men loved and supported by spouses had lowered risks of angina, even when taking into consideration other risk factors such as old age or high blood pressure. Other studies prove the same benefits of love over duodenal ulcers.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.