In case you needed another reason to tell the truth, here it is: Being honest may make you healthier.

Study findings reported at the annual conference of the American Psychological Association show that telling fewer lies is good for body and soul, USA Today reports.

During a 10-week study, 110 participants ranging in age from 18 to 71 were split into two groups. Half were instructed not to tell any lies, although they could refuse to answer questions and omit truths. The other half was not given any such instruction. All participants took lie detector tests and health and relationship assessments that considered the major and minor lies they told.

"When they went up in their lies, their health went down," says lead author Anita Kelly, a psychology professor at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. "When their lies went down, their health improved."

To read the full USA Today story, go here.