7 Bad Things that are Good for You
For centuries, the tomato was thought to be poisonous. But, today, we consume more tomatoes than any other fruit or vegetable.
Things that many of us enjoy but try our best to avoid, like coffee and chocolate, an occasional drink or a between-meal snack, have been re-examined by medical researchers with new results.
Staying up all night
Psychologists have observed that depressed patients who are deprived of a night or two of sleep often find their spirits lifted. The reason is that bio-chemical changes brought about by sleeplessness possibly mimic those changes brought about by antidepressant drugs
A hot cup of coffee
Too much caffeine has been linked to any number of health problems. But experts largely agree that moderate coffee consumption - less than four cups a day - is safe. Better still, naval researchers have found that even if you slept well the night before, a morning cup of coffee makes you more alert and puts you in a better mood. There’s also an indication that coffee drinkers over 60 have better sex lives than non-coffee drinkers over 60.
Snacking between meals
Psychologists at Tufts University, in the US, found that a snack late in the afternoon can improve your ability to do tasks that require sustained attention. A snack before traveling also can prevent motion sickness.
Gossiping
Gossip is a form of free amusement, an outlet for inner tensions, and it can cement social relationships by establishing an element of trust between those sharing privileged information. Also, discussing personal problems with a trusted friend can help you relieve anxiety and gain a new perspective.
Being pear-shaped
You may never find work as a model, but being “bottom-heavy” could extend your life. If you are the classic “pear” shape, you are at lower risk for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure than “apples”, who carry their weight around the middle
Full of fat foods
While people who get more than 30 per cent of their kilojoules from fat are indeed more likely to die of heart disease, those eating a low-fat diet are actually more prone to accidental death, suicide, and even to being murdered! The reason may be, some studies suggest, that low cholesterol levels may make people more aggressive and excitable. They become lean and mean. Women who consume less than 25 per cent of their kilojoules in the form of fat also run the risk of irregular menstrual cycles and decreased bone density.
Little extra kilos
Stop worrying about dropping that dress size. According to the US Department of Agriculture, people who are too thin increase their risk of early death. Studies on weight and longevity show that people can gain a little weight as they grow older without increased health risks - about half a kilo a year after age 30. In fact, repeatedly losing and gaining those same few kilos is at least as harmful as being slightly overweight, since it can cause hypertension.
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Sep 7th 2008 at 7:09 pm
Taking a lot of fruits and vegetables can help lose weight and lower high bad cholesterol in blood, to avoid heart disease and sudden death.