Being in a healthy relationship could be good for your heart—literally

Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, but there are some serious heart-health perks that come with your connection aging like a fine wine (no, unfortunately your healthy partnership won’t boost your antioxidant supply, like vino does).

Rather, loving bonds may pay dividends when it comes to your cholesterol and blood-pressure levels. In a new study, which spanned more than six years, researchers found that married couples whose relationships consistently improved had lower cholesterol levels than those whose relationships remained the same or got worse.

Men in the deteriorating relationships had blood-pressure levels that were an average of 2.74 points higher than those in consistent marriages

While there were no significant changes in cardiovascular risk factors for the couples whose relationship quality remained a constant over the years—whether good or bad—men in the deteriorating duos had blood-pressure levels that were an average of 2.74 points higher than those in consistent marriages.

While all the support and looking out for each other that tends to come with a strong relationship is not only great for your mental health, but your physical health, too. If something’s off, consider getting some outside assistance early on to help resolve your issues. Doing so might be just as beneficial for your well-being as it is for preserving your love.

This is the one type of meditation that will strengthen your relationship. And if your relationship is struggling, take some advice from Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard.