Cold Weather Health Benefits
By Sara Butler
It can be difficult to find things to be positive about when winter rolls around. However, there are a few things that are actually benefits to the cold weather. So, while you’re snuggled into your sweater and sipping hot cocoa, here are just a few of the health benefits of cooler temperatures.
More Calories to Keep You Warm
Your body is padded with two different kinds of fat: You have brown fat and white fat. White fat is the largest energy reserve of your body, and brown fat helps your body to generate heat to stay toasty. In studies reported by The New York Times, metabolism increases in the cold. That means that the brown fat burns the white fat for energy – and you burn more calories! Your resting calorie expenditure probably increases, so you burn more just by being at rest when winter weather strikes.
Sleep Easier
It’s a well-known fact that cooler temperatures in the bedroom help you to sleep easier at night, and winter temperatures make it that much easier to fall asleep too. This is due to the fact that when your body temperature is lower, it makes you drowsy. So, you have an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep when the temperature is cooler both in and out of your bedroom.
Think Clearer
The glucose in your bloodstream helps to make your mind sharp, and it also helps to regulate your body temperature. When it’s cold or hot outside, your glucose helps to adjust things accordingly, which means when it’s warmer your body has to use more glucose in order to cool down. This can impact how your brain functions and can have a negative impact on decision making. So, if you’re going to make a big decision, then winter may just be the best time to make it!
Your Skin is Clearer
When it’s cold outside, your pores tighten up. This reduces the chances of pores becoming clogged and inflamed. It may even help you to slow the impact of aging on your skin and look younger! So, thank winter for that youthful glow, but don’t forget if you’re going to be outside for any amount of time in the winter, you should make sure to wear sunblock.
If you love cold weather, then this is the time of year you probably look forward to. If you're not a fan of winter, these things might soften your stance a bit.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.
