Laughter is the Best Medicine: Why You Should Make More Time for Fun

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Unleash Your Inner Laughter: Reap the Health Benefits of This Simple Joy

We all know the feeling – a belly laugh that leaves you gasping for air, tears streaming down your face. But did you know that laughter isn’t just about feeling good in the moment? It’s actually a powerful tool for improving your overall health and well-being.

Research suggests that laughter can significantly impact your body in positive ways, from reducing stress hormones to boosting your immune system. Let’s delve into the science behind laughter and explore how incorporating more humor into your life can benefit you.

Stress Buster and Pain Reliever:

When life gets overwhelming, a good laugh can be the perfect antidote. Studies have shown that laughter lowers cortisol, the stress hormone [1]. Additionally, research suggests that laughter can actually elevate your pain tolerance [2]. So, next time you’re feeling stressed or achy, try watching a funny movie or hanging out with a friend who always cracks you up.

Sharpen Your Mind with a Chuckle:

Laughter isn’t just good for your mood, it’s good for your brain too! Research indicates a positive link between laughter and cognitive function [3]. Laughter has been shown to improve memory, brain development, and overall mental health.

Boost Your Body’s Defenses with a Giggle:

A hearty laugh can do wonders for your immune system. Laughter triggers the release of antibodies that help fight off infection [4]. Furthermore, by reducing stress, laughter indirectly supports a healthy immune response.

The Takeaway: Make Laughter a Priority

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to make time for simple pleasures like laughter. However, incorporating humor into your daily routine is a powerful way to invest in your health and well-being. So, whether it’s watching your favorite stand-up comedian, spending time with a funny friend, or revisiting a hilarious movie, make laughter a priority. Your mind and body will thank you for it!

Want to learn more about the science of laughter? Check out these resources:

  1. Link to Study
  2. Link to Study
  3. Link to Study 
  4. Link to Study

Until next time, eat healthy, move, love…and LAUGH!!

 

Are Seed Oils Sabotaging Your Health?

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Necessity may be the mother of invention, but the story of artificial trans fats is one of unintended consequences. In the early 20th century, trans fats offered a solution: stable, solid fats that extended shelf-life and pleased consumers. However, health experts revealed a darker side, urging us to avoid trans fats. Yet, the rise of vegetable oils as a substitute raises questions about their safety.

A little history…
Warnings about the dangers of artificial trans fats emerged in the 1950s, but the food industry downplayed the risks. (Argh!) Continued research in the 1980s and 1990s confirmed the health hazards, with a pivotal 1993 study in The Lancet fueling action. By the 2000s, health organizations worldwide pushed for regulation. Finally, in 2006, the US FDA mandated trans fat labeling, and by 2020, their use in food products was banned.
Replacing trans fats with vegetable oils may offer a false sense of security. While vegetable oils are widely used and less harmful than trans fats, they still present health concerns. These oils are linked to an unhealthy omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, excessive linoleic acid, and potentially harmful free radicals from cooking. Research suggests potential links between vegetable oil consumption and various health risks, similar to those that led to the trans fat ban.

Reduce Vegetable Oils and Embrace Good Fats…

The concern is that traces of trans fats linger in common foods, while widely used vegetable oils raise alarming health concerns. (See my prior post about the Dangers of Seed Oils.)

What You Can Do:

  • Limit: Reduce seed oils like soybean, canola, and sunflower oil.
  • Swap: Choose healthier options like olive oil (for low heat), avocado oil (for higher heat), coconut oil (for cooking), butter, or ghee.
  • Read Labels: Look for “vegetable oils,” “hydrogenated” words, and named seed oils on labels.
  • Dine Out Mindfully: Ask restaurants to substitute unhealthy oils with healthier choices. (I try to remember to take my homemade dressing in these little portable dressing containers!)
  • Find Better Options: Use Localfats.com to locate restaurants using healthier oils.

Just do what you can and choose natural fats from avocados, fish, and nuts, and limit processed foods and artificial ingredients.

You got this! One step at a time.

Lisa