Health Benefits of Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of year again! When candy and flowers are around every corner – Valentine’s Day. Little did you know, there might be some health benefits to these holiday staples.

Below are some of the little-known health benefits of Valentine’s Day!

Health Benefits of Chocolate

The average American eats about 12 pounds of chocolate per year. Chocolate gets a bad rep, being linked to obesity and heart disease, but people have been talking about the health benefits of cocoa for years. Men in ancient times believed chocolate would make them more fertile. During the 1800s, doctors sometimes prescribed this sweet to patients for a broken heart. As for today’s standards, what does the research say about the health benefits of chocolate?

Although it is no secret that chocolate is high in calorie count, you might not know how high. Each box of chocolate typically has between 155 and 175 calories per ounce. However, chocolate has quite a few healthy attributes! It contains a type of healthy saturated fat (yes, healthy saturated fats exist), stearic acid. This fat is the kind also the healthy fat found in beef. Chocolate also dilates your blood vessels and makes your arteries more elastic. It is important to remember that dark chocolate contains MUCH greater benefits than milk or sweetened chocolate. Flavonols are found in dark chocolate, which can help lower blood pressure by improving blood flow to the brain.

Health Benefits of Flowers

While flowers may give you warm and fuzzy feelings, they also have the potential to lower your blood pressure. Flowers have several factors that contribute to the health benefits of Valentine’s Day. Studies have found that participants were more relaxed physiologically and psychologically after looking at fresh roses for a few moments. Certain natural scents have been proven to lower stress levels as well. Lavender, chamomile, and jasmine all have calming effects on the brain. Have you ever wondered why people give flowers to sick patients in hospitals? Hospitals frequently have a green space for patients to visit, as research shows that relaxed patients heal quicker than stressed patients. Furthermore, flowers can help your concentration and memory retention. Plants add oxygen to the air around us, which boosts your brain cells and improves alertness.

Health Benefits of Love and Social Connection

Beyond chocolates and flowers, Valentine’s Day is also a time to celebrate love and social connection, which carry significant health benefits. Feeling loved and supported can have a profound impact on mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that strong, positive relationships can reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and boost immunity. People in healthy relationships often experience lower rates of anxiety and depression and are more likely to engage in health-promoting behaviors such as regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet.

Expressing love and gratitude—whether through a heartfelt card, kind words, or quality time—can also increase levels of oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin is known to promote feelings of happiness and bonding while reducing stress. It may even play a role in pain reduction by acting as a natural analgesic.

Additionally, acts of kindness and giving, which are often central to Valentine’s Day celebrations, can trigger the release of endorphins, leading to what psychologists call a “helper’s high.” This boost in mood is accompanied by a decrease in stress and improved cardiovascular health.

Even if you’re single, celebrating Valentine’s Day with friends or family can bring similar health benefits. Sharing laughter, enjoying meaningful conversations, and fostering connections can create a sense of belonging, which is vital for emotional well-being. Ultimately, Valentine’s Day serves as a reminder of the power of love, kindness, and connection to enhance our lives both emotionally and physically.

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This article was updated on 12/12/24.