Winter Swimming Is Good For You? [PHOTOS]

Crazy or awesome?

Some would go as far as saying this is down right dangerous!!!

I remember when I was younger. My mom would flip out if I went outside in the cold air with a wet head after taking a shower. Not to mention what happened to George Bailey’s kid brother in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He had hearing problems ever since.

But some would argue that swimming in the winter, in freezing cold water, may actually have some health benefits. According to research done by the Federation of Tempering and Winter Swimming in Russia, the maximum healing occurs when the body is submerged in water with a temperature below 53°F for 1-2 minutes.

While in the cold water, the blood vessels in the skin abruptly contract, pushing a large amount of blood inside the organism. This results in the re-activating of the inner capillaries, many of which are typically atrophied by the age of 30, due to poor circulation and an unhealthy lifestyle. The regeneration of a large amount of capillaries ensures that our inner organs receive the necessary nutrients for their optimal performance and rejuvenation.

This great improvement in capillary circulation results in the younger appearance of cold-water swimmers. Thanks greensmoothiesblog.com!

Outrageous Winter Swimming Photos