A recent study claims positive thinking increases our chances of having the ideal heart health.

Researchers from University of Illinois conducted a study involving 5, 100 participants who completed surveys that evaluated their mental fitness and level of optimism.

The research also assessed the physical health of the participants, whose ages varied from 45 to 58, their blood pressure, BMI, physical activities, cholesterol levels and food intake.

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Optimism means a positive attitude or the tendency to look on the best possible side of conditions in life. With a health score range of 0 to 14, the tests determined the relation between optimism levels and health.

The study found the health scores of the participants significantly matched their levels of optimism. Optimistic people had 50 percent more chances of having intermediate health levels and 76 percent were more likely to have the ideal health score.

"Individuals with the highest levels of optimism have twice the odds of being in ideal cardiovascular health compared to their more pessimistic counterparts," said Rosalba Hernandez, a professor of social work in the university and lead author of the study.

The study also found people who tend to look on the bright side have good cardiovascular health and cholesterol and sugar levels. They're also more physically active, fit and are more likely to avoid smoking.

This research paper is detailed in the Health Behavior and Policy Review January/February 2015 issue.

TagsHeart, think positive, optimism, bright side, heart diseases, University of Illinois, high blood pressure, cholesterol