The 1 evening activity that can lower your blood pressure significantly

Many people love lighting some candles, turning on some music, and relaxing in a hot bath as a way to unwind, but did you know that it has metabolic benefits, too?

Although it seems too good to be true, taking a bath can not only help melt away stress and anxiety, but a new study shows that taking a bath at least four times a week can help lower blood pressure, and prevent other Type 2 diabetes risks.

The study was presented at the Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The researchers analyzed roughly 1,300 adults with type 2 diabetes to see how hot baths impacted their metabolic health.

The groups

The subjects were divided into three categories:

1. A group that bathed more than four times per week;
2. A group that bathed one to four times per week;
3. A group that took less than one bath per week.

The results

Ultimately, those who bathed more showed a decrease in body weight blood pressure, and glycated hemoglobin – all of which can help prevent Type 2 diabetes.

The people who saw the best results all took baths four times a week for an estimated 16 minutes per bath. The study also says that regardless of weight or gender, those who bathed four times a week or more all had the same positive results.

Other health benefits

Bathing has been linked to other health benefits besides lowering blood pressure. 

1. Improved heart health
2. Breathing easier/opening up the sinuses
3. Hormonal balance
4. Relaxing muscles, joints, and bones

This is not to say that bubble baths will 100% prevent or cure diabetes.

However, baths have been shown to help with mental health and are a fun way to relax. Potentially lowering your risk of Type 2 diabetes just happens to be a nice perk.