The Guardian

Democracy is good for your health and heart, major study finds

Life expectancy grew faster for countries that have switched to democracy since 1970
Voting in the US last year. Cardiovascular disease fell as democracy bedded into countries, the study found. Photograph: Michael Reynolds/EPA

Democracy is good for your heart, health and longevity, a major study of 170 countries has concluded, in a boost to a form of government that has faced significant setbacks around the world in recent years.

Life expectancy improved more quickly in countries that switched to democracy over the past 50 years, the researchers discovered, and there were fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease, diseases

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