Do You Know Giggling & Laughing Can Help You Stay Slim? Even Burn Calories?
Collapsing into giggles could burn as many calories as a
brisk walk, Scientists now say. Even a sneaky snigger could give your muscles a
workout, burning around ten calories an hour, the new study found.
Dr Helen Pilcher, a comedian who has a PhD in biology,
reviewed research on the dietary effects of laughter. Her results showed that
the most intense form of laughing – defined as flat out, uncontrollable, roll
on the floor howling – was found to burn 120 calories an hour, similar to the
amount burnt by walking at a moderate pace.
Hearty belly laughs can burn up to 100 calories per hour,
while irrepressible chuckling can burn up to 20 calories per hour. And a good
laugh can help you to tone your stomach – meaning you could be honing your abs
while sitting on the sofa watching TV.
Scientists have also discovered that one group of muscles,
the internal obliques, which are important for creating a ‘six pack’, are
activated more by cackling than by stomach crunches. Having a good guffaw also
boosts blood flow, contributing to a cardiovascular workout that uses energy
and so burns calories. So now you know.
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