Spending a beach holiday allows us to switch off and relax but the proximity to the water and the presence of the sun also offer us a number of other health benefits. So let's find out why the sea can be considered a real medicine!
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousSpend a holiday at the sea it allows us to switch off and relax but the proximity to the water and the presence of the sun also offer us a number of other health benefits. So let's find out why the sea can be considered a real medicine!
The sea is undoubtedly the most coveted half for summer holidays, a good choice from many points of view also considering that it is not just about fun but that it benefits the health of young and old.
But what are the advantages obtained by those who spend a few hours (or rather a few days) at the sea?
Index
Fill up on Vitamin D
The sun allows us to synthesize vitamin D, a very important substance for our body (it is essential for bone health, helps to have healthy skin and can even improve mental functions). After all, it is difficult for us to reach the needs of this vitamin by obtaining it from food alone. Here then is that spending time at the sea allows us to fill up on this substance. However, sunscreens make it impossible to synthesize Vitamin D, so in the cooler hours of the day it is good to sunbathe without protection for about 15-20 minutes.
Healthier and younger skin
The wet sand acts as a natural exfoliant and removes dead cells from the feet leaving the skin soft, healthy and rejuvenated. The ideal way to enjoy this benefit is to take a daily walk on the soft sand near the shore. It must also be said that sea water contributes to improving the elasticity of the skin. This is in fact full of minerals with anti-aging power. Even the UV rays of the sun act on the skin drying it and this can be of great help especially for people suffering from psoriasis and other dermatological problems.
Improve depression and mood
The sea and the sun are powerful natural antidepressants. Spending a few days in contact with nature allows you to improve your mood and chase away depression. It is no coincidence that people tend to be happier in the warm months when there is long sunlight, which has a positive effect on stress but also on sleep and appetite.
It decreases stress levels
Sand and sea are excellent tools to disconnect from everyday life and thus decrease the stress levels that we accumulate every day. For this purpose, it would be good to avoid bringing to the beach, or at least being constantly glued to smartphones and tablets to fully enjoy the benefits of the environment on the nervous system. It is also excellent to walk, among other things in our feet there are thousands of nerve endings and walking on the sand is a way to stimulate them by performing a real massage.
Calm anxiety
The sound of the sea is very beneficial for our nervous system. Listening to the waves crashing on the shore can actually calm anxiety and lull us into a relaxed state that allows for the release of dopamine and serotonin.
Promote physical activity
Whether it is a daily walk on the sand or in the sea, whether it is swimming, running, playing beach volleyball, surfing or otherwise, generally during a beach holiday we tend to move more. In this way we can keep ourselves in better shape and avoid a sedentary lifestyle and weight accumulation. Walking on the sand is also an excellent exercise for the muscles of the feet, some of which are not used when we wear shoes.
Helps to lose weight and fight water retention
The benefits on the body of spending a few days at the beach can also be felt on the waistline and the beauty of the legs. In fact, walking on the sand and in the water helps fight water retention and increase metabolism with advantages for those on a diet. Among other things, it takes about double the energy to walk on a surface as soft as that of sand, so you do an excellent exercise, burn calories and reactivate the circulation to the fullest.
Stimulates the immune system
As already mentioned, sunlight allows us to synthesize vitamin D, a substance that helps prevent autoimmune diseases. Seawater, on the other hand, contains several minerals and other compounds that help strengthen the immune system and rid the body of toxins, and it also helps heal cuts and wounds faster. The presence of iodine in the sea air also supports the natural defenses of our body.
Respiratory well-being
Sea air is known for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system. Thanks to the large amount of mineral salts it contains, it helps the good health of the bronchi and lungs and unclogs the nose by thinning any mucus present. This improves your breathing overall.
You sleep better
It is said that the sea is tired and indeed for most people it is so, especially for children. After a few hours spent on the beach, walking, doing other activities or swimming, the body needs rest and this promotes a good night's sleep.
On the benefits of the sea, you may also be interested in:
- Living near water improves mental health
- Blue space: the benefits of the sea on body and mind
- Living near the sea improves health
- 5 good reasons to spend a few days at the beach
