Did you know that attending Mass at least once a week could have a positive impact on your quality of life?
Internal medicine physician Dr. José Jorge Maya shared the health benefits of participating in the Eucharist.
On his Instagram account, the specialist explained that various studies have found a relationship between regular attendance at religious services, such as Mass, and improvements in multiple indicators of physical and mental health.
According to the data, those who attend Mass at least once a week show, on average:
- 21 percent lower risk of cancer
- 29 percent lower likelihood of smoking
- 34 percent lower risk of excessive alcohol consumption
- 33 percent lower risk of depression
Furthermore, he noted that adolescents show a lower probability of engaging in risky sexual behaviors and substance abuse.
“And best of all: a 27 percent reduction in the risk of mortality from any cause,” he added.
Why are these results occurring?
Dr. Maya emphasized that this is not magic. Medicine has long indicated that “by positively impacting smoking, alcohol use, and depression, we can decrease the risk of cancer, mortality, and many other diseases.”
The specialist added that these benefits are often attributed to three fundamental factors that are frequently overlooked:
- Social support and community life
- Reduced stress levels and an increased sense of well-being and happiness
- Living with a sense of purpose
Evidence is still developing—but the signs are strong
The doctor noted that although the quality of the evidence is not perfect—since it comes mainly from observational studies—in his personal experience, a life of faith offers significant benefits.
“I have never seen a person go to church or to Mass and leave worse off than when they arrived,” he said.
Dr. Maya added that, in his own life, whenever he has gone to church, he has left “much calmer, much lighter, and, most importantly, with a message from God for my life.”
His “prescription” for life is clear: if you have the opportunity to go to church or attend Mass at least once a week, don’t miss it.