They may be annoying but new research suggests allergies may be a blessing in disguise.

Biologist Margie Profet was the first to theorize that allergies may have evolved as a way to expel toxins from the body.

Profet’s work inspired later research that found people with allergies seem to be at a lower risk of various cancers.

Profet observed that all the symptoms associated with allergies, like sneezing and watery eyes, combat toxins and, in extreme cases, blood pressure drops during anaphylactic shock, to slow circulation.

The researcher is profiled in the latest issue of Psychology Today.