An unexpected health perk of a smile

It could set you up for healthier food choices, report scientists in the journal Appetite. In a small study, they gave women instructions that either induced smiling or frowning, then showed them pictures of unhealthy foods designed to trigger cravings. The surprising results: Women in the smiling group had 61 percent fewer cravings than those who had frowned. According to the study authors, “facial feedback” like a smile provides an instant mood boost, regulating the emotional swings linked to food cravings.