People suffering from high cholesterol may want to ask for an iPod filled with their favorite music this holiday season.

Those who listen to their favorite music may improve their heart health and lower blood cholesterol, according to a new study from Maryland University, UK newspaper the Times reports. Apparently, certain types of music can trigger the release of nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which can prevent the formation of blood clots and harmful cholesterol.

Past studies have shown certain types of songs can cause distress in others, which led the U.S. military to use music from Britney Spears and Eminem as forms of torture.

However, this may be the first time one’s body, not emotional state, was affected by music. The study found a 26 percent increase in the diameter of upper arm blood vessels in people who listened to enjoyable music.

Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at Maryland University, led the study and told the news provider the health benefit in people’s bloodstream came from music they preferred, rather than the type.

"We were looking for cheaper, nonpharmacological aids to help us improve our patients’ hearth health and we think this is the prescription," said Miller.