WHEN COLD IS GOOD

You may prefer flip flops and beaches, but knowing these surprising health benefits may help you appreciate colder temperatures. I think you’ll like the first one.

HEALTHY REASONS TO EMBRACE COLD

WEIGHT LOSS.  Our bodies dip into the fat supply for fuel to keep warm. One study published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation found that exposure to cold temperatures (not accompanied by shivering) can activate brown fat metabolism, so it may help burn calories. And shivering can be good, too, as it also stimulates the burning of fat. A study published in the journal Cell Metabolism found that shivering stimulates the secretion of irisin, a hormone that induces fat burning. Apparently, just  15 minutes spent shivering in a cold environment has the same effect as exercising for an hour. The flip side is that cold temperatures may increase your appetite. 

BETTER SLEEP.  The latest existing research suggests that the ideal temperature for the best sleep should be somewhere between 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit, and you might burn more calories, too. Your body’s core temp naturally drops when you’re trying to sleep and the process is much faster in winter.

ALLERGY RELIEF.  Pollen counts are virtually nonexistent in cold and snowy weather, so if you suffer from outdoor allergies, you may get a break! Of course, there are other indoor allergens in wintertime you should consider, such as mold and dust mites, but for the most part, you’ll get a bit of a reprieve.

BRAIN BOOST.  Studies show that colder temperatures help people think clearly. What’s more, other research shows that people tackle more cognitive problems in the winter than in the summer, because summer temps use more glucose that’s needed for mental processes.

INFLAMMATION. Cold air acts like a natural ice pack to decrease inflammation, so you might get some relief from less swollen and puffy joints in winter.  

IMMUNE BENEFITS.  Cold weather kicks your immune system into gear and fight infections more effectively. Studies have shown that the human immune system can be activated when exposed to the cold, and this enhances someone’s ability to fight infections. The downside is that you might get more colds in the winter.  

MOOD ENHANCER.  As your body works harder to stay warm while exercising outdoors, endorphins are released– those feel-good hormones–and your mood is naturally lifted.

HAZARDS:  Of course, extremely cold weather can be dangerous, and you should exercise caution. Take a look at these must-read tips for plummeting temperatures or these severe weather tips from Antartica.

HEALTHY SKIN

GOOD NEWS: You know that hot water can dry the skin, but did you know that cold weather increases blood circulation by constraining blood vessels in the skin? This reduces the likelihood of puffy eyes and facial swelling. Exposure to cool weather also tightens the pores of your skin and invigorates your face. Think clear, bright eyes and rosy cheeks. Plus, you tend to produce less oil and sebum in the winter, so you may have fewer breakouts.

BAD NEWS: Multiple elements can victimize your complexion, especially in high altitudes. Wind, sun, cold, heat and dryness create the perfect situation for chapped, depleted skin and can promote and contribute to aging.  Click here for some fab finds and 10 cold weather skin tips. 

TELLURIDE GLOW EMBRACES THE COLD

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