What are the benefits of the cold? Many, if you read the dozens of studies from the research centers that have dealt with it. We are used to thinking of the winter season as that of the peaks of viral throat and lung infections, but experts point out that there are also many positive aspects for our health.
The effects are many: from supporting the metabolism to rejuvenating the skin and improving blood circulation.
Benefits of the cold
Training outdoors in winter is a real blessing
A study from Aston University from Birmingham in the United Kingdom claims that training outdoors in winter improves the health of body and mind. Not only reduces the severity of flu or Covid symptoms, but also removes the possibility of contagion. Our immune system is forced to work harder with low temperatures, becoming stronger.
The benefits of cold also include strengthening the heart, but be careful if you have cardiovascular diseases
Also the heart works harder, because it must also pump blood to the terminal parts of our body, making it more ready to face difficulties. For the same reason, those with cardiovascular disease problems must be careful: increases the risk of heart attack.
Improves mental health
Training in the cold also pushes our body to release many feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, which make us less sad. The study in question demonstrated that the mental health effects can quadruple those of an antidepressant.
Sleeping in the cold makes us rest better: here’s why
We know from various research that sleeping with a low temperature makes us rest better. It helps the body release good amounts of melatoninthe hormone that makes us fall asleep, and limits the cortisol, the stress hormone. In this way our sleep will be more restful and intense.
Taking a cold shower gives your body and brain a boost
The bravest have already experimented the effects of a cold shower. Not only does the skin rejuvenate and the tissues become firmer, but blood circulation is also significantly stimulated. It also increases calorie expenditure, because the body is forced to produce heat.
It is no coincidence that among athletes the sport is the most popular cryotherapy and bathing in cold water, especially after intense training. In fact, muscles accelerate the repair processes.
To get the benefits of the cold, go easy at first
A study by the University of Portsmouth, also in the United Kingdom, explain that however you need to go easy on training in the cold. It is necessary to start gradually, because the effects on the body require adaptation.