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To err is human, to forgive divine. We are all aware of this philosophy.

But a research shows that the philosophy could have a lot more to it. According to scientists, if you forgive people who hurt you, it is good for your health.

According to researchers from the University of California, San Diego, people who can let go of their anger are less prone to developing high blood pressure.

For the study, the researchers asked 200 participants to recollect an event when a friend had hurt them. While half of the group was told to recollect how angry the incidence mad them, the other half was encouraged to think about the event more lightly and forgivingly.

The participants were then all distracted for five minutes after which they were told to think about the event again in any way they chose, reported Mailonline.

The participants were then checked for their blood pressure and heart rate. It was found that participants who thought about the incidence with anger had a much higher blood pressure when compared to those who were more forgiving.  

The effect could be seen in the participants in spite of the 5 minutes break.

The team, led by Dr Britta Larsen,said that their study suggests that forgiveness can 'lower reactivity' to stressful events and even offer 'sustained protection' from the physical impact.

High blood pressure or hypertension is lined to  increasd risk of heart attack or stroke.

The research, published in the Journal of Biobehavioural Medicines is a small study.