TEXAS – If you’re in a relationship, Valentine’s Day may be one of the healthiest days of the year — despite the champagne and chocolate.

That’s because love comes with some solid health benefits, according to a growing body of scientific research. And you don’t have to be romantically involved to enjoy them.

Here’s a look at how love and health are connected, according to UT Austin researchers.

• Increases life expectancy: People involved in healthy social relationships typically live longer. It can even lower your risk of having a heart attack or developing certain types of cancer.
• Keeps the Doctor Away: Feeling loved, cared for, and secure tends to boosts the immune system and reduce the chance of catching a cold or other viral infections.
• Reduces Depression: Falling in love, getting married, and maintaining healthy relationships, as well as friendships, have been shown to reduce the feelings of isolation and depression in both males and females.
• Reduces Stress Levels: Due to the security and support healthy relationships tend to offer, you are less likely to feel stressed if you have a partner or close friend to help you through difficult situations or emotions.

So, if you are looking to lead a healthier life and reap the mental, emotional and physical benefits that healthy relationships can lead to, it’s important to cultivate those relationships in your life that make you feel secure and supported – may they be romantic or not.