A hearty “Haha” or fit of laughter may just be the key to a happier and healthier life.

By: Kammie Daniels LuxEco Editorial Assistant

A person must smile nearly a quarter of a million times to create one wrinkle. 15 seconds of laughter alone can add two days to your life span. One hearty chuckle burns over three calories. In today’s image and age-conscious society, where children want to grow up, adults want to hit the rewind button, and those in their twenties are considered to be in the “prime of their life”, modern research is revealing that laughter is much more than just funny business.

According to the American Medical Association, laughing releases a potent combination of valuable hormones, cells and enzymes that positively affect various organs and body functions. The unique link between laughter and brain behavior contributes in strengthening of the immune system, boosting energy, and diminishing the affects of chronic and minor pain. On a further physical level, laughter can also lower blood pressure and promote faster healing by increasing oxygen levels in the blood stream.

A team of University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers has recently confirmed AMA’s findings and shown for the first time that laughter may prevent heart disease. The study compared the humor responses of 300 people, 150 with heart conditions and 150 without. Of the several noteworthy results, the most significant was that those with heart disease responded less humorously to everyday life situations.

Given the evidence that laughter restores a positive emotional and physical climate, individuals with a better-developed sense of humor can expect to build a stronger health history and overall sense of contentment.

Best of all, this age-old remedy is free, fun and easy to use.

So go ahead and laugh yourself healthier- or the joke’s on you!

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For more information on these health benefits, laugh your way to the Carolina Health and Humor Association.