Laughter (old news but nice to know!)

eeebee

Something I found in my old email archives this morning:

Healthy Lifestyle Tip: Laughter Can Keep the Weight Off

Giggling for just 15 minutes a day burns enough calories to shed up to 3kgs of fat over a year. A big belly laugh uses about the same energy as walking more than half a kilometre, the U.S. study in the International Journal of Obesity suggests. Laughing makes the heart beat faster and works many different muscles.

Researchers measured the number of calories an adult expended watching different TV programs, including nature and comedy shows. Bouts of laughter when watching the funny film used up to 20 percent more energy than at rest. This would mean that 10 to 15 minutes of laughter a day could increase total energy expenditure and burn between 10 and 40 calories.

Dr. Maciej Buchowski, lead author, Vanderbilt University, explained, "Participants had 10 to 20 percent higher energy expenditure during episodes of laughter than during rest. We have calculated that the energy cost of 15 minutes of laughter over one year may translate into an annual weight loss of 2kgs." Research already suggests that laughter is good for the heart and immune system, and appears to help ease pain.

It is likely that more research will uncover many more health benefits linked to laughter. In the meantime, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use.

Source: news.bbc.uk

eeebee

If you didnt exercise today, I hope you at least had a good laugh people! :drinker: