Get in! Lying in the bath BURNS as many calories as going for a walk

There are few things in this world as genuinely relaxing as a long, candle-lit bubble bath, but did you know your evening soak could actually help you lose weight?

It has long been suggested that bathing allows the mind to unwind, the muscles to relax and the skin to heal, but a new study has revealed that an hour spent in the tub can also burn around 126 calories – that’s as many calories as 30 minutes out walking.

According to The Telegraph, research conducted by Loughborough University found that lying in a 40 degree bath also effectively reduces blood sugar levels.

Authors of the 20 year study – which was actually designed to investigate ways of managing type 2 diabetes – believe that the heat shock proteins released when the body’s temperature is significantly raised caused the noted reduction in blood sugar levels.

The study’s lead researcher Dr Steve Faulkner said: “We discovered the participants who bathed had, on average, 10 per cent lower peak glucose levels in comparison to the exercise, which was completely unexpected.”

“The amount our blood sugar rises after a meal is one of the risk markers for things like developing type 2 diabetes, so keeping it down can be good for our health.”

“We think the reason is that the bath may encourage the release of heat shock proteins, which may help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin controlled glucose uptake.”

While experts have advised that bathing should not be used as a replacement for a balanced diet and exercise, it sure is good to know that time spent in the tub has so many benefits.

Feat image: GQ

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