Our Mysterious Body: 10 Interesting Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

1. Pinocchio Effect is real

Based on real research, the “Pinocchio Effect” has been validated. A study confirmed that when we lie, it literally shows on our face. The temperature around our nose and eyes increases and heats up.

2. Laughter can relieve pain.

While we all believe that laughter is good for health, it has recently been seriously researched. Studies have proven that laughing or giggling releases brain chemicals that make us feel good and also relieve pain.

3. Earwax in our ears acts as a “cleanser.”

Many of us have always thought that earwax should be cleaned daily for hygiene reasons. However, scientific research proves the opposite. Earwax cleans our ear canal and protects us from infections. Removing it does more harm than good, so it is better to clean only the surface of the ear.

4. Your hair knows your sleep pattern and schedule.

Hair follicles can actually tell a lot about our sleep habits. Researchers have proven that it is possible to monitor the 24-hour circadian clock that determines our sleep habits through hair follicles. Using just the cells in our hair follicles, it seems possible to help patients with sleep disorders one day.

5. Our body wants to take a nap at noon.

Don’t get me wrong! This has nothing to do with the food we eat at lunch. The reason lies in our body’s clock. Our circadian clock sends specific alert signals 7 to 9 hours after waking up, making us feel sleepy.

6. Blinking serves as a “motor” function for us.

During our waking hours (within a day), we spend approximately 44 minutes with our eyes closed due to blinking, and this has really important functions for us. It not only moistens the eyes and protects against foreign objects but also helps us rest. Our brain uses that tiny moment of closure to rest and recharge.

7. Our stomach protects our immune system.

Our immune system is very important for our health and helps us fight all external threats. However, sometimes it needs extra help from outside. This is where our stomach comes into play. Stomach acid and other enzymes kill most of the germs that enter the body through the food we eat.

8. The fastest muscle in the body is in our eyes.

The fastest moving muscle in our body is the Orbicularis Oculi in our eye. It moves so fast that it has been listed in the Guinness World Records. There are two of these muscles, one in each eye. These muscles control the closing movement of the eyelids. If an object tries to touch our eye, it closes the eye in less than 100 milliseconds (0.1 seconds).

9. There are “shock absorbers” all over your body.

Scientists have discovered a molecular structure in our body that acts as a “shock absorber” for us. Researchers say this finding sheds light on how our body houses so many moving parts and interactions without falling apart.

10. Our nose is also responsible for the sense of taste.

Our sense of smell is actually responsible for about 80% of what we taste. Without our sense of smell, we can only perceive sweet, salty, sour, and bitter tastes. All other flavors come from the sense of smell. That’s why most foods taste bland when we have a cold and our nose is blocked.