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Saunas may boost longevity

New research highlights the benefits of regular saunas

Regular sauna visits can lower your risk of heart problems and boost longevity.

Research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that frequent steams are linked to a reduce risk of cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure and coronary heart disease.

During the study, researchers collected data from over 2000 Finnish men in 1984 and 1985 and followed up over two decades later. They found that a greater frequency and longer duration of sauna visits correlated with a lower risk of health problems.

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They looked particular at the use of Finnish saunas, which usually have very dry air and are set to a temperature of around 80 to 100 degrees Celcius.

During the follow up period, they found that the risk of sudden cardiac death was 22 per cent lower for men who had two to three saunas per week, and 63 per cent lower in those who visited the sauna four to seven times a week.

Cardiovascular disease death rates were cut by 27 per cent when participants visited the sauna two to three times per week and by 50 per cent when they went four to seven times. Despite the promising results, the study authors are unsure what is causing the boost in heart health.

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“Further studies are warranted to establish the potential mechanism that links sauna bathing to cardiovascular health” said lead author Dr Jari Laukken from the University of Eastern Finland.

It’s not the first time the health benefits of saunas have been highlighted. Previous research has revealed that they can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones and even boost the immune system. As for time spent in the sauna, the longer the better.

“More is better,” said Laukkanen. “It seems that with more than four sauna sessions per week had a lowest risk, but also those with two to three sauna session may get some benefits.”


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