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Muscles are one of the most commonly discussed parts of our bodies– whether it’s bodybuilding or getting in shape. However, there are some interesting facts about muscles that you might not know. Get ready for these ten amazing facts about your muscles that will take you by surprise!
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You are 1 cm taller in the morning than at night. This is because, your day-to-day activities like standing and sitting compresses your muscle tissue making you shorter at the end of the day.
3/11
Did you know that it takes 17 muscles to smile and 43 to frown? Hence, it is a good idea to keep smiling rather than scowling at someone (unless you are trying some form of face yoga). Additionally, smiling also improves your mood.
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One step uses approximately 200 muscles (although it is dependent on your muscle breakdown). Considering the fact that most of us walk more than 1000 steps a day, our muscles work more than us.
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Have you ever been asked about the strongest muscle in your body? Well, it's your tongue (although it’s small in size). And by using it for eating, talking and swallowing, your tongue performs its daily dose of exercise as well!
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An extremely rare disease of the connective tissue that causes your joints and muscles to freeze permanently is known as Stone Man Syndrome. It occurs due to a mutation in the repair mechanism that causes muscle tissue to be ossified instantaneously or when injured.
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You may not know that there are no muscles in your fingers, as they are made up of ligaments, bones and tendons. Wondering how they move? Your fingers move due to the contraction of the forearm muscles which in turn pull tendons present in your fingers.
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Although there are numerous drugs to relieve menstrual cramps, ibuprofen is the most preferred one. Do you know why? Well, it’s because this drug targets smooth muscles present in the uterus thereby providing quick relief.
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A glass of watermelon juice consumed before your workout session can reduce your muscle soreness. This is because, watermelon is rich in citrulline, an amino acid that alleviates muscle soreness naturally by relaxing your muscles and improving its function.
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The intense workout you've had the gym will only show results if you sleep well. This is because your muscles grow and repair themselves when you sleep. Apart from that, it is at night that your muscles relax, there is improved blood circulation and your body releases hormones to fuel muscle development. So, get some shut eye for a healthier you the next morning.
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Another amazing fact about your muscles is that approximately 85% of your body heat is produced by their contraction and relaxation. This is also why you shiver when you feel cold.
