With its azure waters, beautiful sight, and serene ambience, the beach is one of the most popular spots people go to now that summer is right around the corner. To relax and have fun, people travel to beaches, just like Boracay beach, for example.
However, before you plan the things you need for a vacation, did you know that beaches also have health benefits? Studies have shown that natural environments, such as beaches, have restorative benefits to people. In addition, going to the beach may reduce stress, may help you relax, and may improve your well-being. Here are 12 health benefits of going to the beach.
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Sodium chloride or salt as it is commonly known is an excellent cleansing and curing agent. This means that salt reduces bacteria production, which is the number one cause of acne. The good news is that the water in beaches is made up of salt water. Therefore, instead of using harmful chemicals to treat those pimples and blackheads, go to the beach instead to remove those annoying zits.
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Because of its curative effect, salt water has been used for thousands of years to heal cuts and sores. Ancient Egyptians have even noted salt water’s effectiveness. Roman physicians have also used sea salt when concocting healing ointments. Seawater also contains various minerals, such as magnesium and potassium, which help fight infection and help the body heal.
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Salt water is a natural shampoo that can cleanse all the oils from your hair. In addition, seawater can get rid of the built-up chemicals in your hair caused by hair colors, hair sprays, and other harmful hair products. Sea water can also cleanse and exfoliate your scalp, thereby helping in getting rid of dandruff.
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To get rid of stuffy nose, the nasal passageways should be kept moist. Using a humidifier and drinking lots of fluid are some of the ways to remove that stuffed up nasal feeling. Another way to get rid of stuffy nose is to go to the beach and go swimming. Through swimming, your nasal passageways will not only be moist, the excess mucus in your nose will also be removed.
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One of the most popular activities you can do in the beach is to go swimming. And without question, swimming is an effective way to burn calories. On average, a person can burn approximately 414 calories per hour of moderate swimming, thus making it a good way to stay physically fit. Being a non-impact sport, swimming is also a good exercise for people with injuries.
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Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints. Having arthritis is a painful ordeal. And if you have arthritis, exercise is necessary to keep your joints flexible.
However, most exercise routines put much pressure on your joints, which leads to pain. Swimming is a great therapy for those who suffer from arthritis. As mentioned earlier, swimming is a non-impact sport. Hence, it allows patients to exercise without experiencing pain.
Aside from its water, the beach also offers unlimited supply of sand. Basking in the sand is a good way to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is important for your body because it strips away dead skin cells, thus giving way for new skin cells to grow. The finer the sand is, the better.
Another health benefit of visiting beaches is that burying your body in sand increases metabolism. To become physically fit and to lose weight, you need to increase your metabolism.
Burying your body in sand will fool your brain to thinking that you weigh more, thus increasing your heart rate and subsequently your metabolism.
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Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is needed by your body. Vitamin D strengthens the bones and prevents bone diseases. However, for Vitamin D to become useable by your body, sunlight is needed. And where else can you find unlimited supply of sunlight but in the beach.
To strengthen your bone, go to the beach and enjoy the rays of the sun. However, do not forget to apply sunscreen on your skin so that you will still get the sunlight you need while avoiding those UV rays that cause skin cancer.
According to studies, a low supply of Vitamin D can cause heart attacks, strokes, congestive heart failure, and other heart diseases. Thus, spending some time in the sun is good for your cardiovascular health.
So while you’re at the beach, why not get that tan you have always wanted? You will not only look good, your heart will also benefit from all that tanning.
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It’s no question that going to the beach is one of the most relaxing activity there is. With the relaxing scenery and refreshing air, the beach is a good way to relieve your body from the stress of everyday living.
Going to the beach can also improve your overall mood. The tranquility that beaches offer may be related to the water’s color. Studies show that blue has a calming effect on people. In addition, the sound of the waves may also trigger the brain to release dopamine and serotonin, which are hormones that make you feel good.
Aside from its azure waters, beautiful sight, and serene ambience, the beach also offers many health benefits. Going to the beach is not only a fun activity, it may also reduce stress, help you relax, and improve your well-being. So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimwear and SPF lotion and reap all the benefits beaches have to offer.