You probably don’t need science to tell you that living by the sea can be good for the soul.
Waking up to white sandy beaches and stunning views, enjoying breathtaking sunsets and cool evening breezes – there’s a reason this is the stuff dreams are made of!
But what you might now know is that scientists are beginning to suggest that sea water can have several tangible health benefits for the body… and some scientists are even going as far as saying that sea water can benefit your mental health, too.
Physical Health Benefits
Research shows that sea water can have a cleansing effect on your skin. The salt and minerals in sea water can help to fight conditions including dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and even ulcers. You’ve probably heard of the healing properties of the Dead Sea? Well, plain old regular sea water is apparently the next best thing.
Sea water is also said to help boost your immune system. That’s because it helps to raise your white blood cell count. Regardless of whether this is due to the water’s temperature, its mineral content or something else (researchers don’t yet agree on the “why”), it’s obviously a pretty great benefit.
And to top off the physical benefits, some researchers even suggest that spending time in sea water can help to improve your skin’s elasticity. As any wrinkle-conscious person knows, that’s pretty great news!
Mental Health Benefits
From a mental health perspective, some scientists suggest that sea water can have a calming effect, helping to relieve or even eliminate feelings of stress and anxiety.
This could simply be due to the fact that the beach is a pretty soothing place in and of itself. But some scientists argue that the medicinal properties of sea water also play a role. Either way, in our fast-paced 21st century world, a calming treatment is rarely unwelcome!
The Wrap
Like we said, it’s pretty general knowledge that a beachside lifestyle is good for the soul.
But if the scientists have got it right, it looks like a beachside lifestyle is good for the body, too.
If that’s not a win-win, we don’t know what is!
** GemLife Communities has published this information in good faith based on research from the scientific community. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the information contained in this blog post. As such, it should not be construed as constituting medical advice. We advise anyone with any health concerns or conditions to consult with their GP or other relevant, qualified medical professionals.
