Sometimes, the bad things are really good for you
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BY MICAH MERTES / Lincoln Journal Star
While drinking alcohol excessively might shorten your life, drinking in moderation could add a few years to it, a group of Danish researchers reported last week.
Several studies have found that moderate drinking can result in a lower risk of heart disease and cancer. But the Danish study, reported by msnbc.com, turned out to be significantly more conclusive, chronicling the habits of 12,000 men and women in the early 1980s and following their health history ever since.
Non-drinkers carry a 30 percent higher risk of heart disease than moderate drinkers. “Moderate” is defined as one to 14 drinks a week.
If the Danes are to be believed, you might start downing your multivitamins with vodka in the morning and putting the Rolling Rock next to the beta carotene in the medicine cabinet.
But alcohol isn’t the only counterintuitive case of something bad being good for you. A barrage of dubious pleasures could give us a healthier, and not just happier, life.
With the help of livescience.com reports, we’ve made a list of some of the best.
Sun
Too much sun could kill you, and a healthy coating of sunscreen is always a good idea.
But taken in regular doses, a good old bath of sunshine could be great for certain areas of your health.
A group of Belgium scientists found that a small dose of ultraviolet rays can be beneficial to asthmatics. The sunlight lessened the immune reactions responsible for asthma in some lab studies.
And a little extra sunlight in an office setting can help overall mood and energy of the people inside, curbing afternoon blues and boosting work efficiency. The same group of Belgium researchers found that sunlight can positively influence brain function, heart rate and hormone release.
Coffee
The beverage is a subject of perpetual controversy: harmless pick-me-up or slow, silent killer?
Too much coffee can cause all sorts of problems, including anxiety, tremors and restlessness. But most studies agree that a few cups a day isn’t going to hurt you.
In fact, a study conducted by the University of Scranton determined that the average American gets more of his antioxidants from coffee than any other food or drink, including fruit and veggies.
Normal bio breakdown in our bodies creates free radicals, which rove around our systems, damaging our cells. Antioxidants flow through and lay the smackdown to the troubling radicals.
Another bonus: Chocolate is also a great source of antioxidants.
Anger
Psychology research says that anger in moderation is good for you.
While being fearful in stressful situations can lead to feelings of helplessness, getting angry can make one feel in control.
A study of UCLA students put the participants in a stressful situation and measured their blood pressure, pulse and secretion of high-stress hormone cortisol. Students who responded with facial expressions of fear showed higher heart rate, blood pressure and hormone levels than those who responded with anger.
But don’t get too mad. Long-term anger can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk for heart disease.
Sex
This most essential of human endeavors boasts a long list of health benefits:
- According to studies conducted by the Kinsey Institute, orgasm lessens the effects of depression and stress allowing for better, deeper sleep.
- Orgasms can also serve as pain killers by releasing natural endorphins.
- Sex is certainly a physical activity, which burns calories and works muscles that don’t usually get worked.
Reach Micah Mertes at 473-7395 or mmertes@journalstar.com.
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