article_snippet: It's an age-old adage, but looking on the bright side of life can be good for your health, scientists said today.
article_snippet: Led by British Heart Foundation professor Andrew Steptoe, Scientists noted Scientists findings could be linked to a number of physical and psychological impacts of being optimistic.
article_snippet: the British Heart Foundation also showed that optimistic patients are more likely to increase optimistic patients consumption of fruit and vegetables, a year after optimistic patients heart attack or angina.
article_snippet: Forty per cent with a positive outlook were eating the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
article_snippet: Meanwhile only 20 per cent of the most pessimistic patients were eating the required amounts, 12 months after only 20 per cent of the most pessimistic patients hospital admission.
article_snippet: Lead author of The research, Professor Steptoe, said: 'Our research shows that optimistic people are more likely to take advice about lifestyle changes on board, like quitting smoking and eating more healthily –
article_snippet: Our findings could be used to identify pessimistic patients and encourage pessimistic patients to make the necessary changes to pessimistic patients lifestyle that can ultimately lead to better health.'
article_snippet: Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF,  said: 'The next steps for this research would be to show psychotherapy like cognitive behavioural therapy to improve optimism can improve the outcomes for pessimistic people. '
article_snippet: Although noting a more optimistic approach promoted a patient's recovery by encouraging a healthier lifestyle, researchers did not find optimistic people were more physically active.