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8 Bad Habits That are Surprisingly Good For You

Key Points

  • The article challenges conventional wisdom and mom's advice, arguing that certain indulgences and habits like occasional junk food, beer, coffee, and internet surfing can have positive effects on health and well-being.
  • It suggests that a messy house can harbor beneficial bacteria, while chewing gum can aid weight loss and boost memory, and expressing anger can improve decision-making and overall health.
  • The article also highlights the benefits of sleeping in, arguing that it can help the body heal and improve brain function, sometimes more than exercise.
  • The overall message is not to disregard all of mom's advice, but to understand that some rules can be bent or broken for the sake of health and happiness.

Remember those things your mother always said, "All that coffee is bad for you, you've got to keep your room clean, stop wasting your time online, quit smacking that gum!" While many of the things dear old Mom said were true, some of her advice isn't backed by the latest research. Find out where you can fudge on Mom's Book of Rules.

8 Bad Habits That are Surprisingly Good For You

Key Points

  • The article challenges conventional wisdom and mom's advice, arguing that certain indulgences and habits like occasional junk food, beer, coffee, and internet surfing can have positive effects on health and well-being.
  • It suggests that a messy house can harbor beneficial bacteria, while chewing gum can aid weight loss and boost memory, and expressing anger can improve decision-making and overall health.
  • The article also highlights the benefits of sleeping in, arguing that it can help the body heal and improve brain function, sometimes more than exercise.
  • The overall message is not to disregard all of mom's advice, but to understand that some rules can be bent or broken for the sake of health and happiness.

Remember those things your mother always said, "All that coffee is bad for you, you've got to keep your room clean, stop wasting your time online, quit smacking that gum!" While many of the things dear old Mom said were true, some of her advice isn't backed by the latest research. Find out where you can fudge on Mom's Book of Rules.

1. Indulging (A Little) in Your Cravings 

Busting your diet with a half-pound burger, super-size fries, and a gallon-size soft drink followed by two apple pies isn't good. But occasionally indulging in some of the treats you like helps in several ways. First, minor indulgences along the way help ward off major binges that build up after lengthy denials. Second, a nibble of chocolate actually has antioxidants that are good for you, as well as a calming effect on your nerves and some relief from the blues. 

2. Sipping a Beer 

Remember all those reports about how red wine is good for your heart? As it happens, beer contains malted barley, which is chock-full of the same heart healthy antioxidants found in red wine. Plus, beer has vitamin B6, another known heart health booster. The silica in beer also helps build strong bones. Pale ale is your best bet for getting all these heart health benefits.

3. Chugging Coffee 

Though the major reason for guzzling coffee is to help you start your day, that morning java also lowers your risk of developing Parkinson's disease (the disabling disease suffered by Michael J. Fox and Mohammed Ali), and also decreases your risk for certain types of cancer and Type II Diabetes. Coffee is a natural anti-inflammatory, containing wonderful antioxidants to help you fight headaches. 

4. Leaving Your House Messy 

Believe it or not, that unmade bed is less likely to harbor dust mites and allergens than your mom's pristine bed that's made to military specifications by 6 a.m. every day. A made-up bed gives mites a safe harbor. Additionally, houses that are too sterile are absent of beneficial bacteria. When your body isn't exposed to a normal amount of bad bacteria, it's less able to combat illnesses you come into contact with later on. 

5. Wasting Time on the Internet 

Feeling guilty about that hour a week spent shopping online, or that half hour you spent surfing the net for cute cat videos? Don't. Surfing the Internet for reasonable lengths of time helps develop reasoning skills, and shopping online helps develop your sense of strategy. Those who spend moderate time online actually make better decisions. 

6. Chewing Gum 

Smacking gum may not be polite in some company, but it has some real health benefits. It can help you lose weight two ways: by burning calories and giving you a sense of fullness. There is also evidence that chewing gum boosts your long-term memory.

7. Occasional Temper Tantrums 

While nobody encourages a raving fit on a daily basis, the regular expression of anger is healthy. People able to express their anger are better decision makers. Also, the regular expression of your feelings helps keep you from developing health problems associated with holding in your feelings. 

8. Sleeping In 

Many of todays illnesses, accidents, and injuries are related to a lack of sleep. Good sleep helps your body heal and helps your brain function properly. Occasionally sleeping in, instead of hitting the gym first thing, might actually help your body more than exercise.

Don't throw all Mom's advice out the window - but realize that there are a few areas where you can get by with not following the rules. 

Frequently asked questions

  • Is indulging in cravings always bad for your diet?

    No, occasionally indulging in some of the treats you like can actually help ward off major binges that build up after lengthy denials. A small amount of chocolate, for example, has antioxidants that are good for you and can have a calming effect.
  • Can drinking beer have any health benefits?

    Yes, beer contains malted barley, which is full of heart-healthy antioxidants found in red wine. It also has vitamin B6 and silica, which help boost heart health and build strong bones.
  • What are some health benefits of drinking coffee?

    Drinking coffee can lower your risk of developing Parkinson's disease, decrease your risk for certain types of cancer and Type II Diabetes, and help fight headaches due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants.
  • Is a messy house always unhealthy?

    No, an unmade bed is less likely to harbor dust mites and allergens than a perfectly made bed. Moreover, houses that are too sterile lack beneficial bacteria, which can help your body combat illnesses.
  • Can spending time on the internet be beneficial?

    Yes, surfing the Internet for reasonable lengths of time can help develop reasoning skills and strategic thinking. Moderate time spent online can actually lead to better decision making.
  • Does chewing gum have any health benefits?

    Yes, chewing gum can help you lose weight by burning calories and giving you a sense of fullness. There is also evidence that it can boost your long-term memory.
  • Is expressing anger always bad?

    No, while excessive anger is not encouraged, regular expression of anger can be healthy. It can lead to better decision making and prevent health problems associated with suppressing feelings.
  • Is sleeping in occasionally beneficial?

    Yes, good sleep helps your body heal and helps your brain function properly. Occasionally sleeping in, instead of hitting the gym early, might actually benefit your body more than exercise.

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