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Did You Know That Laughter Is Good For Your Health?

You may have heard that laughing provides the same health benefits as jogging or some other type of light workout. Is there any true to this?

Yes, It's Healthy

Funny you should ask, because a study out of Loma Linda University in California found that mirthful laughter is in fact very healthy.

It lowers stress, boosts the immune system, and can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Endothelium and Stress

To go into a little more detail, other studies have found that laughing has a positive effect on the inner lining of blood vessels, called the endothelium.

When we laugh, blood vessels relax and become more pliable, making it easier for blood to flow. Plus, laughter is a good stress reliever. That's important because stress is known to harden arteries.

Laughter and Digestion

Laughter is even good for digestion.

If you're eating with friendly people who are having a good time, you're much less likely to need an antacid pill afterward.

15 Minutes a Day

Bottom line, laughter is good for you. In fact, experts recommend that alongside eating well and exercising, people laugh for at least fifteen minutes a day.

But not necessarily by hearing jokes. After all, even the funniest jokes make you laugh for only a few seconds. The

best way to laugh is to be around people who make you laugh, at work or at home or wherever.

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