You have surely heard again and again that life by the sea is great for your health - but how reliable is this statement? Those who dream of having a holiday house are always trying to find the perfect country in order to buy their holiday house and move closer to the sea. Whether they are looking for a property in Cyprus, in Bahamas, in Spain or in another earthly paradise, the goal of moving by the sea is always common. Well, recent studies have also provided a scientific foundation for this generally accepted statement.
A research performed by scientists of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Exeter in Britain discovered that people who dwell in coastal regions enjoy considerably better health than those who don’t. The group of scientists examined information from the census conducted in Britain in 2001, which included almost 50 million people. Assessing several factors, such as age, gender and social background, scientists reached the interesting conclusion that those who live mainly near the ocean are generally healthier than their fellow citizens who reside the plains and mountains of Britain.
Therefore, according to their findings, living by the sea could indeed benefit our body, but more research is required to fully prove this assumption – particularly regarding the specific ways sea climates benefit our body. In fact, earlier studies have indeed tried to discover the truth behind this mysterious connection.
Scientists have a lot of work to do, that’s for sure. But what is in it for us? All of this talk seems to be an excellent incentive to consider moving by the sea, maybe in our favorite summertime resort or even overseas.
Need some more urging? Take a look to the following 5 reasons to settle nicely by the sea.
1. Genuine Relaxation
We have all enjoyed this relaxing feeling that overwhelms your whole body every time our foot touches the sand of a nice beach. You know, that’s scientifically explained. According to Dr. W. J. Nichols, scientist and author, the sea has been proven to stimulate our brain’s creative thinking, alleviate stress and encourage empathy.
2. It Promotes an Energetic Way of Life
Dwelling near the ocean promotes physical exercise, which finally results in a far healthier way of life, according to the findings of the research mentioned above. But why is that? Why most of us feel more energetic near the coast? Dr. M. White, the master - mind behind the Exeter study confirmed what we have all experienced again and again: living near the ocean urges us to exercise.
3. Feeling your Lungs with the Fresh Sea Air
All detergent manufacturers try to find a chemical equivalent to the sea’s fresh, salt air – admittedly with little success. This excellent and subtle odor actually does wonders for our lungs, mainly for those of us who suffer from some kind of respiratory malady (such as asthma and chronic bronchitis).
Sea air evidently relieves the respiratory tracks and substantially reduces coughing and renal congestion. According to scientists, the fresh air of the sea possesses negatively charged hydrogen ions that facilitate the absorption of the oxygen atoms and offset serotonin levels, thus providing our body with more energy and helping when dealing with depressed feelings.
4. Additional Vitamin D
When we stroll on the beach or sunbathe, sun rays reach our body not just from above, but almost from all possible directions, mainly because the sun reflects on the sand, the water and the rocks near the sea – and as you may very well know, sunbathing is the only physical way our body can get the precious benefits of vitamin D.
Provided, of course, that you have covered your skin with suntan lotion, sunbathing is an excellent health promoting habit. Vitamin D boosts our autoimmune protection, raises the levels of our endorphins, reduces the chances of cancer development and strengthens our bone structure. Based on a study performed by the King’s College London’s Institute of Dermatology, our skin gets adequate vitamin D from the sun rays even when we have covered it with suntan lotion.
5. Taking a Swim inside the Sea
Taking a swim in the salt water is considered an excellent treatment for several maladies since ancient times. It has actually been proven that bathing in the sea strengthens our immune system, hydrates the skin and enhances blood circulation. Why?
Salt water contains high levels of magnesium that is known to relax our muscles and encourages a good night’s sleep. After all, swimming is considered by many as the single most beneficiary form of exercise – and surely enjoying it in a wonderful sea id far better than wading inside a crowded swimming pool.
George Dokuchaev is a content writer at Prime Properties, an experienced property developers and real estate agency in Cyprus.
