Cry Your Eyes Out: 10 Reasons Crying Is Good For You

A little-known mineral that can have a big impact on one’s mood is manganese (not to be confused with magnesium). While many natural elements are good for the body, too much can have detrimental effects. Manganese is one such case: if this mineral builds up in the system, it can cause anxiety, nervousness, irritability, fatigue, aggression, and other emotional disturbances.

Scientific research has shown, though, that crying reduces the body’s manganese level, resulting in an elevated mood. This is due to the higher concentration of albumin protein in emotional tears, which is responsible for the transportation of small molecules, manganese not excluded. At the same time that it reduces this mineral content, weeping also triggers the release of endorphins, which are known as the body’s “feel-good” hormone. They are a natural painkiller and also serve to elevate one’s mood. The combined reduction in manganese and increase in endorphins shows just how beneficial crying is for our mental well-being.