With new reports and studies being released every day, it can get overwhelming to keep up with everything health and wellness. Because we want you to be informed, we put together 8 fun health facts that just might shock you.
- Eating eggs improves your reflexes.
Who doesn’t like a light, fluffy omelet for breakfast? Well according to a 2014 study published in the Neuropsychologic journal, egg contains an amino acid called norepinephrine and dopamine—both of which are shown to increase energy, alertness, and mood. This study also revealed that an amino acid called tyrosine enhances response time and improves intellectual performance.
- Red meat makes body odor worse.
Body odor, everyone has it, but did you know consuming red meat intensifies your body odor? A 2006 study published in the Chemical Senses journal revealed that meat has a huge effect on the “attractiveness” of your body odor. During this study it was found that participants who refrained from red meat were generally perceived as less intense and more pleasant smelling overall. So, if you think you’re smelling a little too ripe lately, maybe lay off the steak dinners every night.
- If you are tired, exercise will help.
Feeling sluggish at work? Studies have shown that blood and oxygen flow though the body gives you both energy and improves your mood. If you feel physically tired, even better. Studies have found that exercising also increases endorphin levels and contribute to a feeling of well-being. Exercising is crucial in maintaining body function and Improving both your physical and mental health. So what are you waiting for? Get up and move!
- Bananas can help improve your mood.
The next time you’re feeling blue, you may want to consider reaching for a yellow banana. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also healthy. This sweet fruit contains up 10mg of dopamine according to research published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2000. A banana has about 30% of your daily recommended amount B6. B6 also aids in the production of serotonin which is a mood stabilizer. Maybe Van Gough was onto something when he was eating yellow paint to cure his depression… so the next time you’re feeling kind of down, reach for a yellow banana!
- Riding a roller coaster can help you pass a kidney stone.
Yup, that’s right. In 2016, a team of researches from Michigan State University decided to investigate this theory after multiple people reported passing kidney stones while riding Walt Disney’s Big Thunder Mountain Railroad ride. They used a model kidney to test their theory and were shocked to discover that there was 64% kidney stone pass rate for those seated in the rear part of the roller coaster. The head of the research team concluded that the ideal kidney stone-passing rollercoaster is “rough and quick with some twists and turns, but no upside down or inverted movements.” If you or someone you know has a kidney stone, a day at Six Flags can be fun and can even help you pass that pesky kidney stone!
- You can physically see high cholesterol.
It is fairly well known that high cholesterol can lead to serious life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and heart disease. However, it is less commonly knowns that high cholesterol can manifest itself on your skin too. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), cholesterol filled bumps (xanthelasma) can appear as yellow patches on the eyelid or around the eyes as result of high cholesterol.
- Oatmeal helps with depression.
Anyone who has experienced depression knows that it oftentimes comes with insomnia, and is overall caused by an overall lack of serotonin being produced within the body. Serotonin is a hormone your body makes by synthesizing the amino acid called tryptophan. According a study in 2016 published by the journal Nutrients, eating foods high in tryptophan such as oatmeal, eggs, chicken, and peanuts are a great way to aid mood and sleep regulation.
- Drinking something hot cools you down!
Common sense may lead you to believe if you are feeling hot, drinking something cool will help cool you down. On the contrary, research has shown that on a hot day, drinking a hot beverage can help cool down your body temperature. According to a study conducted in 2012 and published on the journal Acta Physiologica, increased perspiration is what cools down your body. This is how it works: you drink a hot beverage, your body temperature rises, and as a result, your body produces even more sweat. The extra sweat is key because when it evaporates from your skin, it cools down your body temperature. This only works if you have increased surface area for your sweat to evaporate from, so make sure you’re not wearing long pants or a long-sleeved shirt.
9. Your skin is a reflection of your overall well-being – and it’s also your largest organ!
So, it deserves some serious TLC! Think of it like this: Water is its bestie – drink plenty of water and enjoy hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon. Sunscreen is its bodyguard; use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily. A simple skincare routine of proper cleansing and moisturizing is its comfy wear – Remove makeup before bed and choose non-comedogenic products. Don’t forget the balanced diet rich in: vitamin C, omega-3s (salmon, because…fish are smart?), and antioxidants (berries, because they’re tiny but mighty!). Stressed? Yoga or meditation can help with that – even a 30-minute walk can improve your mood and energy levels. Sufficient sleep is vital. And finally, your dermatologist is your skin’s therapist (you can use Vosita to book your dermatologist check-ups, because adulting is hard enough), and a pro-tip: ditch the smokes and excessive happy juice, and avoid touching your face too much. Basically, treat your skin like a VIP, and it’ll treat you right back.