Top 10 Surprising Things that Make You Live Longer

Everyone knows that exercise and healthy diet are keys to long life. But there are also other fun and easy things that can increase your life expectancy and help you stay healthy:

1. Extra weight

People with excessive weight may have some benefit over thinner people. The recent study at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans revealed so-called "obesity paradox", which is still hard to explain. It seems that people with extra weight live longer than thinner people at least, if they are recovering from illness. In spite of the fact that obesity is associated with a range of health problems such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and others, obese people with heart disease and older people with extra weight live longer than lean patients. Scientists suggest that fat cells produce certain hormones during stress periods, which contribute to better recovery and help your body struggle with aggressive treatment.

2. Marriage

Married people are far more likely to live longer than their single counterparts. According to the US researchers people, who never get married have higher risk of dying prematurely. Scientists say that social isolation is the main reason why single people tend to die earlier than married people. They also note that married men and women are less likely to take risks and have better emotional and physical health conditions. The recent studies also revealed that marriage is very good for men, especially if they marry smarter and younger wife. And do not worry, if you have a fiery relationship with your spouse. According to the science, married couples, who have good fights, tend to live longer than those, who suppress their feelings.

3. Good Night Sleep

Sound sleep is also linked to longevity and overall better health. Many people underestimate the significance of sleep for their health. Good night sleep boosts your immune system, contributes to weight loss, improves your mental and physical performance and enhances your mood. The studies show that sleeping less than 6 hours or more than 8 hours increases the risk of premature death. Sleep plays an important role for your health, because the production of most of the hormones is closely related to natural body rhythms, while lack of sleep affects your health negatively and shortens your life.

4. Sex

Sex is good for your health, having numerous physical, emotional and mental benefits, which contributes to longer life.  During sex your body produces a range of hormones that have positive effect on your health and vitality. Regular sex reduces the risks of having depression and stress. Sex with a loving partner enhances bonding and improves self-esteem, which is linked to higher life expectancy. Studies show that men, who have orgasms frequently, are 50 percent less likely to die prematurely.

5. Chocolate

Eating dark chocolate is another way to prolong your life. British scientists found that chocolate is a key to long life as it contains important antioxidants, which slow down ageing process. Beneficial chemicals in a chocolate prevent a wide range of health problems, such as cancer, heart disease and nerve damage. Eating chocolate every day in moderation helps to prevent cell damage, which prolongs your life and slow down ageing process.

6. Optimism

Optimistic people live longer, while smiling adds many years to your life, scientists say. Optimism is a key factor, protecting men and women against premature death from heart disease, a number one killer. It is also known that depression is linked to heart problems, which increases the risk of premature death. It s not clear why people with positive outlook live longer, but scientists suggest that optimistic people are less likely to develop bad health habits such as smoking or have such health problems as hypertension. Optimism also make you bond with people, reduces stress and heightens your vitality.

7. Flossing

It may sound strange, but flossing is just as important as healthy diet and regular exercising for longer life. The thing is that bacteria in your mouth causes inflammation, which leads to the narrowing of the arteries and may result in heart disease. As you know, heart disease is one of the major causes of premature death. So if you want to prolong your life, make a habit of flossing on a regular basis.

8. Friends

Staying connected with your close ones is another way to prolong your life expectancy. Close relationships with your friends or family makes you less prone to risky behavior, reduces stress and makes you more watchful of your own health. It is known that people, who are engaged in significant relationships, live longer. Communication with your friends also keeps you mentally sharp well into the old age, preventing such health problems as Alzheimer's disease.

9. Outdoor Games

Physical activity and sports not only improves you physical and mental health, but also adds years to your life. Exercising and sports help you achieve emotional and physical balance, improves flexibility and strength. Interesting enough, the Swedish study found that people, who play golf, live longer than other people, because they spend more time outdoors. Playing outdoors also helps your body produce vitamin D that is released in response to sunlight. Vitamin D plays an important role in preventing a great number of age-related problems, such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and other serious health conditions.

10. Red Wine

Drinking red wine is another way to prolong your life and stay healthy, studies say. Red wine contains resveratrol, a well-known disease-fighting and anti-ageing ingredient. Resveratrol in red wine helps to prevent DNA damage and protects you against osteoporosis, cataracts, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and many others. Drinking red wine also cuts calories that is linked to longer life.

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