A report published by Things You Must Know includes 10 health-related facts that some may not have known before. The report states that with new studies and scientific research results being published daily, it has become difficult to keep track of everything new in the field of health and wellness. Here are some new and interesting facts:
1. **Hot Drinks in Hot Weather**:
Some may believe that consuming a cold drink can help reduce the feeling of hot weather. However, research has shown that on a hot day, drinking a hot beverage can actually help keep the body cool. When consuming a hot drink, the body sweats to cool down. Increased sweating is key to alleviating the feeling of heat, so drinking a hot beverage can achieve this desired effect.
2. **The Strongest Muscle in the Human Body**:
Muscle strength can be measured in different ways. Surprisingly, the strongest muscle in the human body is not found in the arms or legs, but in the jaw, which can exert the greatest pressure. Studies indicate that the human jaw can close with a force of about 91 kilograms or 890 Newtons.
3. **Bones of the Hands and Legs**:
Human bodies are born with approximately 300 bones and cartilage, which eventually fuse by adulthood. An adult human body consists of 206 bones, with 106 located in the hands, legs, and feet. The bones of the arms are among the most commonly fractured bones, representing nearly half of adult bone injuries.
4. **Cholesterol-Free Does Not Mean Healthy**:
Some food product labels indicate that they are cholesterol-free, but this does not mean the food is good for cholesterol levels in the human body. Trans fats, which contribute to raising cholesterol levels in the blood, do not contain cholesterol but can be harmful to cholesterol levels. Fried foods and baked goods make up a significant part of meals high in trans fats, such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and saturated fats, which should be avoided as much as possible.
5. **Effort to Combat Fatigue**:
Results of a scientific study reported that if a person is tired or fatigued, exercising can provide them with the energy needed to overcome fatigue, rather than sitting and resting. The study concluded that increased blood flow and oxygen throughout the body would provide more energy and improve mood, along with potentially increasing endorphin levels, which contributes to feelings of well-being.
6. **Cold Weather is Beneficial for Health**:
Cold temperatures help reduce allergies and inflammation, as research has shown that cold weather can aid in clearer thinking and performing daily tasks better. Cold weather can also reduce the risk of diseases; for instance, mosquitoes, which can transmit infections such as Zika, West Nile virus, and malaria, are not present during winter.
7. **Bananas for Mood Improvement**:
Bananas contain 30% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 helps the brain produce serotonin, the hormone responsible for stabilizing mood. Serotonin affects motor skills and emotions, in addition to assisting in deep sleep and digestion. Eating bananas can help alleviate symptoms of depression and stress by boosting serotonin levels in the body.
8. **Optimism for a Longer Healthy Life**:
Studies have found a link between increased levels of optimism and lower mortality rates due to cancer, disease, infections, and strokes. Research results also revealed that this applies to cardiovascular diseases as well. Studies determined that those with higher levels of optimism are 40% less likely to suffer from heart disease.
