Lovers have more reason than ever to celebrate this Valentine's Day, as a new scientific theory has suggested a healthy and loving relationship is good for the heart.

Research suggests that being involved in any type of healthy and close relationship may have a lot of positive health benefits, Julie Damp, a cardiologist at the Vanderbilt Heart and Vascular Institute in the United States, said in a press release on Tuesday.

"There are a couple of different theories behind why that might be," she said.

Most of the theories seem to be related to the fact that people who are married or in close, healthy relationships tend to be less likely to smoke, are more physically active and more likely to have a well-developed social structure.

In addition, they are likely to have lower levels of stress and anxiety in their lives.

"There is a theory that people who are in loving relationships may experience neuro-hormonal changes that have positive effects on the body, including the cardiovascular system," Damp said, explaining there are certain hormone levels in the body that vary depending on individuals' levels of stress and anxiety.

Chocolates and red wine are popular gifts for lovers, and studies have suggested they are also good for the heart.

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, which are antioxidants. Antioxidants have proven positive effects on many different body systems including the cardiovascular system.

Flavonoids can also be found in red wine. Multiple observational studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular events.

(Agencies)

今年情侣们庆祝情人节的理由比以往都要充分——一项最新科学理论表明，拥有一份健康、甜蜜的爱情有利于心脏健康。

美国范德比尔特心脏和血管研究所的心脏病专家茱丽•戴姆普在本周二的新闻发布会上说，研究表明，任何健康、亲密的感情对健康都有很多益处。

她说：“一些不同的理论可以解释这个问题。”

多数理论似乎都与这一事实有关——已婚或拥有亲密、健康爱情的人吸烟的几率较小，他们更注意锻炼身体、而且更易拥有成熟的社会关系。

此外，这些人感受到的压力和焦虑也较少。

根据戴姆普的解释，人体内的某几种激素水平会根据人的压力和焦虑程度而变化。她说：“有一种理论认为，拥有甜蜜爱情的人神经激素可能会发生变化，这种变化会对身体产生积极影响，比如心血管系统。”

巧克力和红酒是情人节最受欢迎的礼物，研究表明，这两件礼物也有益于心脏健康。

黑巧克力中含有抗氧化的类黄硷素。经研究证实，抗氧化类物质对心血管系统等体内的各个不同系统都有积极影响。

红酒中也含有类黄硷素。多重观察研究表明，适度饮酒能够降低患心血管疾病的几率。