Mountain Or Sea: Which One Can Help You Live Longer And Better?

Summer vacations in the mountains do not have as many fans as those in the sea.

Those who prefer them, however, are passionate enough to make us wonder; who is right? Is this the year that we will decommission our vessels for the sake of sweatshirts?

Although most people can not imagine themselves away from the sea, mountain lovers insist that nothing can compare to the coolness and tranquility that mountain vacations offer. Apart from your entertainment, however, there is another parameter that is worth considering: which of the two options is best for your health?

Should We Take To The Mountains?

It is not difficult to associate mountains with good health. A look at your family tree is enough to convince you. Most of you will have a mountain-lover relative who has probably maintained his health and vitality until the end of his life. But in what ways can mountains benefit you?

Health Is Taking Off

The high altitude does not offer you only a wonderful view. It also helps you lose weight, even if you do not intend to engage in any physical activity. And it manages this in several ways; low oxygen levels speed up your metabolism, helping you burn more calories.

At the same time, it has been shown that the levels of the hormone leptin, which regulates the feeling of hunger and satiety, increase significantly during the period you are in a mountain destination. Thus, you get less hungry, while feeling fuller more easily.

Strong Heart

People living at high altitudes are at a lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. According to research, this might be due to the effect of lower oxygen levels on certain genes, in a way that affects the function of the heart muscle. At the same time, your body is forced to create new blood vessels to receive enough oxygen, enhancing further your heart’s health.

Breath Of Coolness

If the mountains are famous for something, it is their air quality. Indeed, air pollution levels are much lower in the mountains, allowing your lungs to get rid of the city’s clouds and exhaust fumes. For this reason, staying in the mountains is very beneficial for people suffering from respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

Mental Uplift

Green landscapes, birdsongs, and pleasant stimuli; what a paradise! The peace you have been looking for might be hidden on a slope. Combined with the scent of conifers, which has been shown to eliminate some symptoms of depression and stress, it can relieve you of everyday life’s mental burden, even temporarily.

Mountains push you to spend time with your loved ones, away from technology, and experience new adventures!

Extreme Sports

At the same time, mountain holidays offer you a wide range of exercise options, which involve the whole body, and are so enjoyable that you forget the fact that you are exercising. From hiking or even mountain biking, you will certainly find something that fits your character and matches your preferences.

Are We Going For A Swim In The Sea?

And yet, despite its advantages, it is not certain that the mountain is the winner of the healthiest summer vacation. The gifts of the sea are just as valuable. It is no coincidence that Hippocrates used the term “thalassotherapy” to describe its effect on those who preferred it.

Vitamin D

The sea is the best place to replenish vitamin D, the vitamin of the sun, which you certainly miss after the isolation of the winter period. This vitamin enhances the health of your skin and bones, improves the function of your immune system, while its lack increases the risk of depression. This, of course, does not mean that you should skip your sun protection!

Water And Salt

You’ve probably noticed that your skin looks healthier and more radiant during the summer period, and “No”, that’s not your idea! One of the main reasons for this fact is the sea salt, which is a natural way of exfoliating.

Sea salt is extremely beneficial for several skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, and dermatitis. At the same time, saltwater cleanses effectively the sinuses, fighting infections, allergies, and other diseases, such as sinusitis.

Sea Breeze

We might admire the clean mountain air, but that does not mean that the beaches are lagging in this area. Research has shown that the sea atmosphere is full of negative ions, which help your body better absorb oxygen, while also balancing serotonin, a hormone that is associated with your mood and the quality of your sleep.

Another feature of the sea that makes you feel better is the sound of the waves, which according to research, changes your brain patterns in a way reminiscent of the meditation effect!

Water Sports

The opportunities for exercise are countless during our summer holidays. At the top of the list is, of course, swimming, which exercises the whole body, without causing injuries, while enhancing your cardiorespiratory health.

Another great option is running in the sand, which is a gentle option for your joints. In this case, the more adventurous among you can test their limits with water sports; from surfing and diving to kayaking and kite surfing.

If you get confused, there is a solution for everything! Prefer a place that combines both mountains and sea; choose your stay at a high altitude, with direct access to beautiful beaches. What could be better than a cool balcony overlooking the endless blue?