Most of us know that eating right and exercising regularly will improve our health. But a surprising number of activities you might already do that have some amazing health benefits. Most of these activities are probably things you love, and your health will only improve if you increase them. So, if you’d like to give your daily routine a little kick and improve the numbers your doctor lectures you about, start doing these five things now.
Drinking coffee
Coffee has gotten a little bit of a bad rap in the past, but recent studies are singing its praises. In fact, a recent Harvard Medical School report revealed that drinking three to four cups of coffee per day might make you live longer. The secret to the longer lifespan? Nobody really knows yet, but the caffeine contained in the beverage is the likely culprit. The coffee drinkers studied seem to have a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, and certain cancers. So if you’d like to add a few years to your life, learn how to brew coffee and drink it often!
Eating fattening foods
It’s hard to believe that a decade ago, experts were telling us to cut fat from our diets entirely to trim the waistline. Because now, everywhere you look, you’ll find those same experts touting the benefits of diets containing high amounts of healthy fats. Diets like the keto diet have been proven to aid in weight loss, heal skin conditions, reduce cancer risks, improve heart health, and improve brain functions. But it’s important to note that not just any fat is considered healthy. Most diets that promote a high fat intake usually suggest consuming foods like avocados, fish, chia seeds, nuts, eggs, and healthy oils.
Dancing
You don’t have to be a professional dancer to reap the rewards of this amazing exercise. Dancing around your living room can give you the same cardio benefits as taking a brisk walk. But if you’d like to make it a lot more fun, why not take dance lessons somewhere like a dance school in Beaverton, OR. Dancing the night away could improve your heart, lungs, strength, endurance, muscle tone, bone density, and so much more.
Drinking beer
This one might come as a real surprise, but beer can actually be good for you — in moderation. Believe it or not, the ingredients in the beverage provide you with a healthy dose of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It contains iron, calcium, potassium, zinc, fluoride, and magnesium. One or two glasses a day can aid in heart health and bone density, improve emotional well-being, and reduce risk of diabetes.
Growing a beard
Hopefully this one just applies to the guys, but sporting a beard actually has some pretty amazing health benefits. For one thing, it blocks the harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer. The bigger the beard, the more protection you provide your skin. A beard also provides an extra filter for germs and allergens that would normally have open access to your nose and mouth. It’s almost like wearing a mask! What’s more is that it may also help you look younger longer. Not only does it protect your skin from sun damage that causes wrinkles, it also keeps your skin moisturized for increased elasticity.
Of all the things we do to increase our health, it seems only natural that we’d want to do more of the things we love. So, if you’re craving a diet high in fat with lots of coffee and a little beer, then guess what? You’re already healthier than you think!