41NBC WMGT-DT

Can Falling in Love Make You Healthier?

If the cutesy swooning and doe-eyed drooling of Valentine's Day is too much for you, keep this in mind: being in a loving relationship can have massive health benefits.

Researchers say giving your heart to another person may be the most heart-healthy thing you do.

"When somebody is inspiring us, we may be much more likely to go exercise with them, eat in a healthy fashion..." explains Cleveland Clinic psychologist Dr. Scott Bea.

Study after study has associated health benefits with being with a special someone:

- Research from the University of Iowa found ovarian cancer patients had greater immune system-boosting white blood cell activity around their tumors when they had strong personal relationships.

- A study from the United Kingdom found men who have sex at least twice a week cut their risk of dying from a heart attack in half.

- University of North Carolina doctors found women's blood pressure lowered after spending quality, romantic time with a partner and hugging for at least 20 seconds.

- Married people, especially men, tend to outlive their single counterparts.