Is Cold Weather Good for You?

Freezing temperatures might not be all bad. Cold weather could lead to a longer life, according to a new study in Cell.

Researchers from the University of Michigan discovered that worms exposed to cold temperatures demonstrate a genetic response that triggers longer life spans.

Okay, so the winter works for worms. But what about for us? “It’s too early to say, but it is possible our research applies to humans, because the genetic pathway we identified is found in people,” says study author Shawn Xu, PhD. Plus, previous research also suggests a link between cold weather and longevity: Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute found that reducing the core body temperature of mice extends their lifespan by up to 20 percent, and another recent study found that while mussels off the coast of Spain lived only 29 years, mussels in frigid Russian waters lived upwards of two centuries.

Not enough to have you frolicking through the snow? Try a cold-weather run anyway. Studies have shown that exposure to freezing temperatures, even for short periods, can significantly increase your energy expenditure for hours afterward.

http://news.menshealth.com/is-cold-weather-good-for-you/2013/03/04/

Posted via email from Markham Real Estate Today with Asif Khan