Feeling guilty over splurging on a massage or some high-quality dark chocolate? Forget it. These and other so-called indulgences deliver serious (and seriously unexpected) health benefits. Read on.
Coffee
Antioxidants, the cell-protecting compounds in coffee, may help reduce the risk for Parkinson?s disease, type 2 diabetes and liver cancer. And studies have found that people who drink caffeine before hitting the gym rate their exercise session as less challenging compared with those who sip water pre-workout. Limit yourself to two cups a day to avoid any potential negative side effects like anxiety, elevated cholesterol and difficulty sleeping.
Sleep
Banking a solid seven hours may feel like the ultimate luxury, but according to experts, that?s actually the absolute minimum amount most people need. Your body does important healing while you sleep, repairing the normal damage that?s part of the stress of everyday life. People who are sleep-deprived are at an increased risk for heart disease, depression and sickness. Enjoy every single one of those 40 winks tonight!
Red wine
Antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols are thought to protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. And a polyphenol called resveratrol?may help fend off obesity and diabetes?two risk factors for heart disease?by reducing inflammation. Experts suggest limiting your vino consumption to one to two glasses a day. (People who have had breast cancer or are considered at high risk for the disease should steer clear of alcohol.) If you?re following the Best Life plan, feel free to use your Anything Goes calories to savor a glass.
Massage
Sure, massages feel good, but here are a few more good reasons to say ahhhh! Rubdowns release pain-squashing endorphins and improve mobility, which can help you manage health conditions like chronic headaches, joint and back pain, and muscle aches. They?re also helpful in relieving muscle stiffness and alleviating menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
Chocolate
Flavanols in cocoa beans, the main ingredient in chocolate, reduce cell damage linked to heart disease and have also been shown to lower blood pressure and improve vascular function. In addition, some research has linked chocolate consumption to a reduced risk for diabetes, stroke and heart attack.?You have to be choosy about your chocolate: Flavanols are much less prevalent in white and milk chocolates. Stick to dark chocolate and keep your serving to three ounces, which is the amount studies have shown to be helpful.?Feel free to use your Anything Goes calories to get your dark chocolate fix today.
Which healthy indulgence will you treat yourself to today?
Pin ItAbout Liz Plosser, Best Life contributor
Liz loves these things, in no particular order: Kansas City Chiefs football, manicures, red wine and running along Lake Michigan. She had boy-girl twins in March of 2011, so spending time with her sweet babies trumps all these things. When she's not having fun singing and snuggling them, she's at work as the managing editor at the weekly magazine Time Out Chicago, or writing about health, fitness, nutrition, psychology and family for publications such as Women's Health, Runner's World, Fitness, Self magazine and Prevention. Liz lives in Chicago with her husband and babies and has completed nine marathons, a Half-Ironman triathlon, and dozens of half-marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks.
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Source: http://members.thebestlife.com/blog/go-ahead-indulge-5-guilt-free-indulgences/
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