Why Would Visiting an Art Gallery Reduce Your Risk of Heart Problems and Disease?

A new study shows that visiting an art gallery and appreciating the works therein can reduce your risk of heart disease and even boost your immune system.

But how could that work?

There are some general wellness maxims that could connect the large span between these two seemingly unrelated subjects though, and it may mean the same reduction in risk could come from all sorts of enjoyable leisure activities.

Where there’s inflammation without injury, there’s aging and illness. Key inflammatory proteins called cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) are basically correlated with every disease known to man. While they play a key role in stimulating wound healing, they can also become active in preparation for wounds.

The stress hormone cortisol prepares the body for risk. A hormonal state of stress triggers increases of IL-6, TNF-a, and other cytokines in certain circumstances. Ipso facto, reducing stress reduces inflammation, inflammation reduces physiological degradation.

Researchers from King’s College London measured the physiological responses of participants viewing the collections of the Courtauld Gallery in the UK capital. Cardio data was provided by a continuous heart-rate monitor, which also captured skin temperatures. Saliva samples were taken before and after the 20 minute viewing exercise.

Compared to viewing the same paintings as replica images in a non-gallery setting, the stress hormone cortisol fell by an average of 22%, and 16% more than those viewing the pictures of the paintings.

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IL-6 fell 30% and TNF-a by 28%.

“Stress hormones and inflammatory markers like cortisol, IL-6 and TNF-alpha are linked to a wide range of health problems, from heart disease and diabetes to anxiety and depression,” Dr. Tony Woods, a researcher at King’s College London, told the Guardian.

“The fact that viewing original art lowered these markers suggests that cultural experiences may play a real role in protecting both mind and body.”

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It’s not wild or difficult to explain what went on here in simple terms: going to the Courtauld Gallery was an enjoyable de-stress for the participants.

The study is the first of its kind, its authors say, and though it marks an excellent reason to plan a visit to your local art gallery, its implications carry a far broader message: remember to stop and enjoy things from time to time, it could save your life.

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