Love protects the heart and nerves from diseases

There are many theories that explain the impact of our relationship on the state of the cardiovascular system, says Dr. Julie Demp, a cardiologist at the Vanderbita Institute.

Most hypotheses are based on the fact that married people, and those in strong and long-lasting relationships, smoke less, exercise more and are more socially active.

There is less stress and anxiety in their lives, they quickly go to the doctor when they have a problem and pay more attention to disease prevention.

A recent study conducted in Finland found that men and women who are in love have a significantly lower risk of heart attack than single people.

“There is a theory that the body of people in love undergoes neurohormonal changes that have a positive effect on the body as a whole, including the cardiovascular system strong>,” – explains Demp.

The reason for these changes are hormones, the amount of which depends on the general level of stress. Research shows that people for whom conflicts and quarrels are a daily occurrence have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Very often lovers give each other a box of chocolates and a bottle of red wine – this is the perfect solution, because these foods are good for the heart. Chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants, and have a positive effect, including on the cardiovascular system.

The concentration of flavonoids is highest in dark chocolate, due to the high cocoa content. “There is a link between dark chocolate consumption and normal blood pressure, lower blood sugar levels and improved vascular tone,” Dr. Demp said. p>

So you love and be loved – this is the recommendation of cardiologists.

However, love helps not only to prevent heart disease – psychologists from the University of Jena and Kassel found that relationship can have a positive effect on the nervous system and the personal development of young people.

In their research, the scientists were focused on personality traits such as neuroticism. “Neurotic people are prone to anxiety, insecurity and irritability. They also have a tendency to depression, low self-esteem and are often dissatisfied with their lives in general,” says Dr. r Christine Finn.

“However, we have come to the conclusion that if these people are in a harmonious relationship filled with love, they become more balanced and their personality – more stable.”

245 couples aged 18 to 30 participated in the study. With the help of special questionnaires, the researchers analyzed the level of neuroticism among all participants. In addition, the participants had to express their attitude to different situations, examples of which the scientists gave them.

“This part of the experiment is particularly important because neurotic people perceive what is happening around them in a completely different way,” explains Finn. Such people tend to interpret situations that are positive or neutral rather ambiguously or negatively.

Scientists have found that manifestations of neuroticism become less pronounced when a person is in love or has a harmonious relationship. A very important reason for this is mutual trust and support between partners, says Dr. Finn.

“Positive emotions received through the partner can change people not directly, but indirectly. They change the perception of the world, “- she said.

In this way, love helps us to look at life with more confidence, instead of immediately seeing things in a negative way.

Scientists have found that these changes are characteristic of both women and men. “Of course, everyone reacts differently. A long and happy relationship has a much greater effect than a short romance,” says Professor Franz Neyer.

The results of this are important not only for people with high levels of neuroticism, but also for those who suffer from depression and anxiety. “Of course, personality is very difficult to change, but we were able to prove that through love it is at least possible to protect oneself from the negative way of thinking and the accompanying personality disorders” – adds Dr. Fin.