Generosity improves our health

"The more we give, the more we get in return" - the law actually works, scientists have found. And it's not about material values, and our well-being.

In a recent studyA neural link between generosity and happiness it was found that the generosity and responsiveness alter brain activity, thereby making human happier. In this generous act may be insignificant or even invented.

Scientists at Zurich University asked 50 men and women go through a survey about their current mood. Then for a month each of them once a week gave about $ 25. Half of the test subjects had to spend the money on themselves. A second group of participants each week chose any man, and spent money on it. In other words, 25 people agreed to a month to become selfish, and the other 25 - generous people.

Then, participants were shown video showing the hypothetical scenarios money transfer personal favorite man, and at the same time we made it a functional magnetic resonance brain imaging (FMRI). With it, scientists have tracked the brain activity of subjects who decide what they would do in a given situation: would give money or would have taken myself.

A month later the participants again underwent interrogation about their mood. Particular attention in the questionnaire given to the feeling of happiness. Then, the scientists compared the results of two surveys.

It turned out that the people who gave money to others, felt much happier selfish. They are also more likely to choose "generous" scenario during fMRI.

Neuroimaging generous subjects showed greater activity in the temporo-parietal site - area of ​​the brain that is activated when altruistic behavior.

In addition, members of this group expressed the connection between the temporoparietal node and the ventral striatum, which is responsible for the promotion and reward. The scientists who conducted the experiment, it is believed that our ancestors probably would not have shared with each other food and shelter, if this was not followed remuneration, including the sensation of happiness.

Thus, research has proven the link between generous deeds and good health.