Smiling Improves Immunity and Cardiovascular Function and Also Burns Calories, Study Says

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This pioneering discovery has been corroborated by numerous studies. Experts like cardiologist Michael Miller of the University of Pennsylvania recommend laughing a lot several times a week, equating laughter with exercise for heart health and overall well-being. Laughter works as an aerobic exercise, burning calories and improving cardiovascular function by increasing circulation and reducing blood pressure.

Proven Benefits of Laughter and Humor Therapy

• Strengthen the immune system: increases the body’s defense cells.
• Pain relief: the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) provides a natural analgesic effect. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine documented its anesthetic properties.
• Blood sugar control: Research like that of Takashi Hayashi shows that laughter reduces glucose levels in diabetic patients.
• Stress reduction: decreases hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, thereby promoting homeostasis in the body.
• Improved emotional health: mirror neurons promote contagious laughter, improve mood and strengthen social bonds.

Organizations like the University of Oxford and experts like Sophie Scott (University College London) support the idea that genuine laughter is a powerful medicine. Its impact has even been quantified: laughing 100 times is equivalent to 15 minutes of cycling, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity.

Integrating humor and spontaneous laughter into your routine is a valid and effective complementary therapy. Generally, it is suggested to combine it with daily physical exercise for an ideal balance between emotional and physical health, thus contributing to a better quality of life.