Love is medicine. And science has proven it. So open your heart and connect. Your body will thank you.
Love Strengthens Immunity.
Loving sex can increase the levels of Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a type of antibody that is present in the mucous membranes, such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and helps fight antigens in the body. In a trial, it was found that adults who had sexual intimacy 1-2 times a week had significantly higher levels of IgA in their saliva than those who reported less frequent intimate encounters.
It’s not just sexual activity that can help boost your immune system, spending time with your pet can also have similar benefits. Researchers discovered that after just 18 minutes of petting a dog, 19 college students showed a significant increase in IgA levels, compared to 36 other students who either petted a stuffed dog or sat alone on a couch.
And don’t forget about kissing! This intimate act also has a positive impact on our immune system. Scientists studied 21 couples and found that each 10-second kiss corresponded to a transfer of 80 million bacteria between partners. This transfer of bacteria can help strengthen our immune function. Moreover, couples who engaged in intimate kissing 9 or more times a day had similar oral microbiomes, enabling them to fight off similar harmful microbes they may encounter or transfer between each other.
Love Decreases Stress.
Hopefully, we all know the feeling of being enveloped in a hug at the end of a hectic day and how it immediately lifts our spirits. And now, research explains why. Stress can wreak havoc on our hormones, heart rate, and blood pressure. However, in a study of 59 women who were premenopausal, it was discovered that frequent hugs were associated with a balanced blood pressure and higher levels of oxytocin, the hormone commonly referred to as the “cuddle hormone,” which plays a key role in snuggling and building bonds.
In another study that involved married couples, holding hands with a spouse was found to be a great stress-reliever compared to holding hands with a stranger or being alone. This was especially true for spouses in happy and loving marriages, who reported the most stress relief from this simple act of hand-holding.
But it’s not just physical touch that can help combat stress. Verbal expressions of love and affection, such as saying “I love you,” and supportive gestures like actively listening to each other, have also been linked to lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
Love Relieves Pain.
Love has the power to change our brain and bodies in amazing ways. It can reduce our sensitivity to pain, much like opioid pain relievers that activate the reward centers in our brain. In a study of 15 college students who were in the first nine months of a romantic relationship, it was found that simply looking at a photo of their partner significantly reduced their reported thermal pain compared to looking at a photo of an acquaintance or using distraction techniques.
In another study of 25 women who were in long-term relationships, it was found that they experienced more pain reduction from looking at their partner’s photo than from viewing photos of an object.
The Power of Love.
When we surround ourselves with love and friendship, not only do we feel happier, but it also has a positive impact on our health. Science has shown that a strong social network of loving friends can actually help us live longer. In a massive study that included over 300,000 participants, it was found that those with the strongest relationships had a 50% increased chance of a longer lifespan compared to those without such relationships.
And we can still reap the benefits of Love through meditation. A study found that practicing Loving-Kindness Meditation, which focuses on sending love and kindness to others, actually has the power to slow down the aging process. By lengthening our telomeres, the segments of DNA that control aging, we can keep our cells younger and healthier, which can lead to a longer life.
And research shows that those who are in committed relationships, especially marriage, tend to live longer. These relationships can even protect against heart attacks, certain cancers, and pneumonia.
Love and Heart Health.
Studies indicate that individuals in happy, strong partnerships have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than those in stressful relationships or who feel lonely frequently.
Love Lifts Depression.
Being in love and maintaining positive relationships, including friendships, reduces feelings of loneliness and depression for both men and women. It also increases a sense of belonging and happiness.
Love Lowers Blood Pressure.
Research shows that happy couples have better blood pressure values compared to those who are unhappily married or single. So when you’re with someone you love, that warm feeling in your heart is healing.
Love Eases Anxiety.
MRI scans show that those in stable, long-term relationships have more activity in the part of the brain responsible for pleasure and reward, and less activity in the part associated with anxiety.
These findings show us just how much love and connection can impact our well-being, both emotionally and physically.
sources: Harvard News | Harvard Health | PNAS
