Religion and medicine, for some, somehow do not mix. Viewing it only as a matter of faith, some shrug off spiritual belief aside and focus on what is concrete. But having a religion and a belief in God offers more than just hope and a sense of faith, it brings with it, unexpectedly, health benefits.

In a recent study, it was found that the more people spend time in church, the lower their blood pressure is, even when a number of other possible explanatory factors were controlled, according to Torgeir Sørensen, a PhD candidate from the School of Theology and Religious Psychology Center at Inland Hospital.

For the study, church attendance was selected as a variable to represent religious activity and blood pressure was selected as a variable that give an indication of overall health, with respect to a variety of diseases and conditions. And under these parameters, they found that those who were religiously active were healthier than those who were not religiously active.

In another study done by the University of California, Los Angeles, back in 1999, researchers discovered that Mormons are among the healthiest and longest living people in the United States - living 9 to 12 years longer than average life expectancy in the country, The Washington Post reported.

This comes from their conviction to follow the simple prohibitions that are part of the lifestyle: not tobacco, no alcohol, no tea or coffee. In addition, religious observance brings with it premarital sexual abstinence and marital fidelity, preventing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. Period fasting was also found to be a benefit to health.

Other studies have also shown the benefits that religion can bring to the plate. According Elizabeth Scot, MS, of About.com, findings from other studies show that Canadian college students who are involved with campus ministries visited the doctor less, scored higher on tests of psychological well-being, and coped with stress more effectively.

When it comes to prayers, experts found that praying and spirituality are linked to better health; less hypertension; more positive feelings; less depression; less stress; greater psychological well-being; and superior ability to handle stress.