Good news for music lovers everywhere, your iPod addiction could actually be benefiting your health!

Studies show that for the mature brain, just listening to music may have what scientists call a “neuroprotective” effect.

Dr. Antonio Damasio, director of The University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute, is an expert on emotion, as well as a committed musicophile. He says, even if music did little more than lift our spirits it would still be a powerful force in maintaining physical and mental health. The pleasure that results from listening to music we love stimulates the release of neural growth factors that promote the vigor, growth and replacement of brain cells. In fact, Damasio says that just the simple act of absorbing music may help keep  minds healthy, active and resilient against injury and illness.

So, as you try to fight off that winter cold, pop some vitamin C and turn up the volume on your favorite record, it could help more than you think.

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