Did you know???

With regular studies published on health and fitness, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the information out there. Some of the findings repeat health advice that’s been around for years, but others are a little more shocking. Take a look at these 12 health facts that might surprise you.

1. To cool down, drink something hot
   It might sound counterproductive, but if you want to cool down, then drink something hot. According to a study from the University of Ottawa’s school of Human Kinetics, as the drink is hotter than your body temperature, it triggers a sweat response in the body that more than compensates for the increase. So although it might initially make you feel hotter, a hot drink will cause you to sweat more and therefore the body effectively cools itself quicker.

2. Eating fruits reduce the risk of diseases. Eating more fruits and vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of many chronic diseases, high B.P, obesity, heart disease and some cancers.

3. Prevent Claustrophobia by Smelling an
   Apple
   Sniffing a green apple can help you feel less anxious in tight spaces according to recent studies . If you tend to get claustrophobic often when riding in an elevator or on a subway carry a green apple with you in a bag for a whiff. It may sound strange, but give it a shot!

   1. Sit-ups won’t give you a flat stomach
      Many people fall into the trap of thinking that they can achieve a flat stomach by doing crunches. But the truth is, endless amounts of crunches won’t give you the stomach of your dreams - as the exercise only works your abs, not your core muscles. One study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found carrying out six weeks of abdominal exercises alone was not enough to reduce abdominal fat.

   2. If you’re tired… exercise
      After a long day at work, going to the gym is probably the last thing on your list of priorities but research has found that exercising actually gives you more energy. A study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that levels of fatigue and depression improved after a 30-minute session of moderate intensity exercise. This is because exercise improves your cardiovascular health which means that more blood and oxygen flow around the body, therefore giving you more energy.

4. Disinfect a Cut With Honey
   Pour some honey on a small cuts before you cover it with a bandaid. Honey has powerful antibacterial properties and is capable of destroying almost all strains of the most common bacterias. Honey never goes bad or develops mold, bacteria can't grow in honey since it's midly acidic. So the next time your caught without any alcohol or hydrogen peroxide put a a dab of honey on that cut!

7.Flush Away Your Troubles
Think of this next idea as a stress reliever, a bit of a weird one but guaranteed to show results. Before you go to bed, put some small pieces of flushable paper (tissue, toilet paper squares) and a pen in your bathroom. The next morning, take a seat and write down the situations in your life that are causing you stress. Then drop them in the toilet and flush. You’ll be surprised at how great this feels and works!

1. ATM machines and public toilets are
   equally dirty
   Withdrawing money from a cash machine is something may of us do regularly, but how many of us give our hands a wash after using them? Cleanliness tests carried out in Britain found that ATM machines were as dirty as the toilets. Specialists investigated swabs taken from the cash machine keyboards and from public toilets nearby and found both samples had the same bacteria known to lead to sickness.

2. Stop Bleeding with Black Pepper.
   Nearly every kitchen has this in there home cabinet. First you need to clean the wound with water and soap then sprinkle some black pepper and apply pressure. Before you know it, the bleeding will stop. Black pepper is a natural analgesic, antibacterial, and a great antiseptic, the best part is it won’t even sting when you put it on.
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3. Sitting at a Desk can Increase The Risk of Death by Almost 50 percent

Office workers listen up! Studies have shown that office workers who sit for longer than 10 hours a day at their desk had a 47 percent increase in risk of death, in comparison to people who sat for less than four hours a day. To decrease this health risk introduce five minutes of activity every hour and make sure you take regular breaks away from your desk. Also, getting up and doing some easy stretches may help. Simple changes like taking the stairs instead of the elevator will also make a positive influence on your health.

1. Chewing gum makes you more alert
   If your suffering from a mid-afternoon slump or can’t seem to concentrate in the morning, then try chewing some gum to make you feel awake. Coventry University researchers found that chewing mint flavoured gum dramatically reduced feelings of tiredness. Another study on the subject found that chewing gum can improve overall test scores and memory by 35 per cent, relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels.

2. If you’re an optimist, it could help you live longer
   According to a study from Duke University Medical Center, heart patients who were more optimistic about their treatment, actually lived longer than those who were more pessimistic in their mindsets. Also, according to findings of a study published in the European Heart Journal, people who are optimistic have less chance of suffering from heart disease...