(NaturalHealth365)  While many of us might shy away from the idea of living in colder climates like Syracuse, New York, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Hartford, Connecticut, research has uncovered some surprising benefits of exposure to cold weather.  In fact, the chilly air can positively impact our health in ways we may not have considered before.

Researchers found that consistent exposure to cold weather prevents disease and even boosts longevity.  Read on to learn more about the surprising ways in which cold weather can benefit our health.

Cool connection: How cold weather improves blood health and fights aging

New studies reveal cold weather benefits the blood by constricting blood vessels.  Constricting seems like a negative at first, but this process increases blood flow and heart rate.  Furthermore, regular exposure to cold air reduces the chances of clotting, helping to prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Those with a healthy heart and low blood pressure also benefit from living in cold climates.  Studies show exposure to cold air prevents the aggregation of disease-related proteins and bolsters lifespan through proteasomes induced by an activator known as PA28y.

In plain terms, proteasomes are a form of a complex enzyme (protease) that breaks down proteins to execute a specific and highly efficient reaction.  This reaction is called protein hydrolysis.  Cold air stimulates cell cleansing mechanisms that break apart damaging protein aggregations that cause a litany of diseases tied to the aging process.

Researchers discover surprising link between low temperatures and cellular health

According to findings by the research team at the University of Cologne Cluster of Excellence in Aging Research, lowering the body’s temperature can increase life expectancy.  Their analysis revealed that exposure to cold air could help prevent protein clumping, a critical aspect of cellular function.  As a result, there is a decreased risk of developing certain diseases, such as Huntington’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The PA28y proteasome has been shown to decrease the effects of aging on cells.  Exposure to air with a temperature slightly below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can increase proteasome trypsin activity, increasing longevity.  This process also helps reduce deficits associated with aging that are caused by the degradation of cellular protein.

In summary, cold air triggers proteasomes to eliminate compromised cellular proteins for life extension.  The academicians responsible for the study believe the results apply to a plethora of neurodegenerative diseases caused by aging.

Will more people embrace the “chilling” benefits of living in colder climates?

While the frigid northeast may be losing population to the Sun Belt, it’s worth considering the potential health benefits of living in colder climates.  As research continues to shed light on the advantages of exposure to brisk air, more individuals may choose to remain in the rust belt for longevity.

And with the prospect of a longer, healthier life, the appeal of colder climates may be more significant than we previously realized.  Of course, avoid (if possible) living in any densely populated cities for obvious – quality of life – reasons.

Sources for this article include:

Wired.com
Nature.com
Medicalxpress.com
Academic.oup.com