Don’t Fear Sweat—It Has Health Benefits!

Sweat benefits
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Many people hate sweating to the point that they will avoid intense workouts. However, sweating is much more than feeling hot and sticky—it’s incredibly healthy and detoxifying, and a sign that our bodies work properly. Here are a few reasons to embrace the dampness and glisten.

It Purges Out Toxins

A study from 2016 found that the levels of most heavy metals—like arsenic, lead, and mercury—were lower in those who exercised regularly, and therefore broke a sweat more often. These metals disrupt metabolic function and hinder the positive effects of nutritional minerals.

Bacterial Cleansing

Certain proteins found in sweat are bound to bacteria. When we sweat, our body essentially gets rid of those unwanted agents.

It’s Not Necessarily Unattractive

The aspect that most concerns most people when it comes to sweating is body odor. Interestingly, we can smell some people’s B.O. more than others. Sometimes we even like the way others smell! This has to do with pheromones and the biology behind human attraction.

The Bottom Line

While breaking a sweat often comes with many benefits, it doesn’t mean that we need to forego showers or deodorants, of course. A few things that will generally help in keeping your B.O. at bay are daily showers, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.