10 Reasons You're Healthier Than You Think

Haven’t done a healthy thing all week? If you’ve had a latte, gossiped with pals or watched a comedy, you’re in luck!

Remember how thrilled you were when you found out that eating chocolate was good for you? Well, we’ve got more happy news: The latest research shows that the simple pleasures in life, like going out for lunch, laughing and even having sex, boost your immune system. Here are 10 ways you’re improving your health by doing things unconsciously.

1 You hang out with friends two or three times a week.

There’s no need to feel guilty about indulging in a gossip-fest with your girlfriends. Researchers have found that women with large social networks (more than six close relationships) weighed less and had lower rates of smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and depression than women with fewer friends. These women also reduced their risk of dying from heart disease by more than half. That’s not all. Women having close relationships with pals had low blood levels of interleuin-6, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Strong social ties may be protective against disease, perhaps because they buffer the effects of daily stressors.

Top that: Go on a girlfriend getaway, even if it’s just for a weekend. Women who take at least two trips a year are less likely to be tense, depressed or tired than those who rarely get away.

2 You drink three cups of coffee a day.

So what if the cashier at Starbucks greets you by name? Drinking two cups of coffee every day slashes your risk of both Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, by 40% and 20% respectively.

Top that: Need an afternoon caffeine boost? Drink two or more cups of tea. You’ll reduce your risk of ovarian cancer by 46%, according to a study from Sweden – perhaps because of the antioxidants in tea.

3 You watched your favourite comedy again last weekend.