Does it seem to you that the people you would identify as happy are not sick as often as others? Well there is a reason. A study led by Dr. Andrew Steptoe of University College London, found that people who reported upbeat moods had lower levels of cortisol — a “stress” hormone that, when chronically elevated, may contribute to high blood pressure, abdominal obesity and dampened immune function, among other problems.
An article on MSNBC reported that this study found that women who reported more positive emotions had lower blood levels of two proteins that indicate widespread inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is believed to contribute to a range of ills over time, including heart disease and cancer.
The study led Dr. to Steptoe to point out that we now have some evidence that happiness and other positive emotions are “associated with biological responses that are health-protective.”
Another big reason to be happy!
