The science behind why laughter might be good for your heart
The science behind why laughter might be good for your heart
Dr. Jon LaPook joins comedy legend Alan Zweibel to explore how laughter can reduce stress and support heart health.
Read the full article on CBS Science
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article appears mostly accurate, aligning with multiple sources that suggest laughter can have positive effects on heart health and stress reduction. There is a slight positive slant towards the benefits of laughter, but it's within reasonable bounds for a health-related piece. The article's claims are generally supported by the provided sources, although the extent of the benefits is sometimes qualified.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim: Laughter can reduce stress.
- Verification Source #1: The Mayo Clinic states that laughter can provide stress relief.
- Verification Source #3: Providence blog mentions that laughter helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Laughter can support heart health.
- Verification Source #2: Harvard Health suggests laughter is good for the heart.
- Verification Source #4: BHF indicates that laughter could be good for your heart.
- Verification Source #5: HelpGuide.org states that laughter elevates heart rate.
- Assessment: Supported
- Claim: Laughter stimulates many organs.
- Verification Source #1: The Mayo Clinic states that laughter stimulates many organs, including the heart, lungs, and muscles.
- Assessment: Supported
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Mayo Clinic: Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins
- Harvard Health: Laugh and be thankful—it's good for the heart
- BHF: Laughing with friends or giggling over your favourite comedy show not only makes you feel good but could be good for your heart too.