The reviews of over 200 recent studies are in – hugs are good for you.

According to research, hugs and other physical touch release oxytocin, which has plenty of benefits as neuroscientist from Ruhr University Bochum in the Netherlands Julian Packheiser explained.

“Hugs release a hormone called oxytocin,” he told 3AW Breakfast.

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“When we have increased oxytocin we have reduced stress and pain. This is why hugs help us.”