Friday, November 19, 2010

'Vices' That Are Good For You


1. Sleep: "Sleep is free and has virtually zero health drawbacks, making it the one treat no one should skimp on. Pillow time gives you energy, bolsters your immune system, boosts your memory, and even helps you get (or stay) slim."
2. Taking the Day Off: "Studies confirm that time off -- whether on a trip out of Dodge or a 24-hour staycation -- relieves stress, lowering your blood pressure and your risk for heart disease."  
3. Chocolate: "Dark chocolate and cocoa may help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of stroke, and provide other cardiovascular benefits, multiple studies have shown."
4. Hanging Out With Friends: "There's little question that strong social ties can bring a host of benefits: fewer colds, better brain health, and a longer life, to name a few."
5. Full-Fat Foods: "Full-fat foods not only taste better but also serve a real health purpose, as long as you get the right amounts of the right kinds... Aim for at least 10 percent of your daily fat intake to come from monounsaturated fats (found in vegetable oils, avocados, and many nuts and seeds)... These fats reduce your risks of heart disease and stroke... Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish such as salmon and tuna, and in flaxseed and walnuts) also lower heart disease risk and may help decrease symptoms of depression, rheumatoid arthritis, and other ailments."
6. Coffee: "A wealth of research suggests that coffee doesn't just pick you up -- it fights heart disease and some cancers, and it may even help you push through harder, longer workouts... Moderate coffee-drinking in middle age has been associated with lower risks for dementia and Alzheimer's."
7. Getting a Massage: "Women in a 2008 study noted less pain, depression, anxiety, and anger when they were massaged twice a week by their partners -- and (bonus!) their partners reported better mental health, too."
8. Being Out in the Sun: "Sunshine is the ultimate natural antidepressant, triggering our bodies to nip production of the sleep-stimulating hormone melatonin so we're alert, energized, and ready to face the day. Exposing bare skin to the sun also triggers the synthesis of vitamin D, a hormone that may reduce your risks for cancer, heart disease, fragile bones, and other problems."  

17 comments:

  1. I didn't know that about sunshine. I'd spend more time in the sun but I always burn D:

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  2. Anonymous12:20 AM

    lol at the kids expression

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  3. That's so right... I can't say better :p

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  4. i like your design..

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  5. Wow, I didn't know! Thanks!

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  6. Anonymous11:03 AM

    Sleeping is great I need to get some!

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  7. I prefer the vices that aren't very good for you... :)

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  8. Awesome list! Nearly everything is good for you in moderation.

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  9. Anonymous6:17 PM

    Now I can eat chocolate and drink all the coffee I want without feeling so guilty!

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  10. Your blog is always full of good advices, keep it up :)

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  11. HOLY CRAP. The child in the bottom of that picture has the CREEPIEST expression on his face. Wow. I was totally blown back.

    Yeah, I like sleep and I could really go for a nice sensual massage with cuddling afterwards by some really hot chick. mmm yeah, i miss that.

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  12. surprising stuff

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  13. how interesting, keep it up

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  14. Anonymous11:15 PM

    what is the kid doing there

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