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13 Amazing Viral Nature Pictures That Are Actually Fake 

 If there's one thing that Twitter likes, in addition to arguments and snarky jokes, it's awe-inspiring images of our planet. And there's a huge number of accounts trying to serve that need.

You can't miss them on Twitter — especially since image previews came in, making their retweet-bait increasingly unavoidable. You might not even have realiz,ed that they're all different accounts. @Earth_Pics is probably the leader of the pack, with almost 1.5 million followers, but there's plenty of competition for the crown, most with hundreds of thousands of followers. There's @EarthPix, @earthposts, @ThatsEarth, @EarthBeauties, @ItsEarthPics, and the creatively named @EaarthPics. Then you've got @FascinatingPics and @FascinatingPix, which aren't the same thing. And @Natgeopix, which has nothing to do with National Geographic, and @GoogleEarthPics, which is nothing to do with Google.
The thing about all these accounts is that most of them tweet the exact same content — the same images as one other, with word-for-word identical descriptions — over and over again. They're like visual spam. Mostly they just tweet massively oversaturated pictures of landscapes with no photographer attribution. But the other thing about them is that they never bother to check if the pictures are actually real...

1. "Lenticular clouds over Mount Fuji, Japan."

 

it's photoshopped . :-

 

 

Here's the original. :- 

2. "Rainbow meets Tornado"

 

3. "Solar Eclipse and Milky Way seen from ISS" :-

4. "Spectacular View of The Stars in Alaska"

This one seems to originate from an art forum, under the category "Fantasy/Landscape." :-

5. "Difference between day and night!" 

No single spacecraft or astronaut took this picture. It is a digital composite of archived images taken by several Earth-orbiting satellites and ocean-faring ships... This image is different from what an astronaut would see for reasons including a complete lack of clouds and an unrealistic exaggeration of lights and contrasts. The image has become both an internet wave in that it continues to circulate as an attachment to digital correspondence, and a modern urban legend. 

6. "They shot a 7m (+- 23ft), 1200kg crocodile..." 

The picture's probably real — but the description's wrong.

As Snopes says, the crocodile hadn't eaten any people, wasn't killed by villagers, was around 15 feet long, not 23 feet, and was in Zimbabwe, not Niger.

7. "Sunrise at the North Pole" 

As Phil Plait (again) points out, this is actually a photorealistic drawing by artist Inga Nielsen.

8. "Smeared skies, Lake Ontario, Canada" 

Brilliant image — but it's not one picture. It's hundreds of pictures layered over one other.

9. "Europe at Night"

Those aren't lights, and that's not a photo. It's a computer-generated visualization of social media activity. Look, here's North America:

10. "Frozen Tidal Wave In Antarctica" 

Nah. Actually ice deposits smoothed out by many years of melting and refreezing.

11. "Mystic Forest in The Netherlands"

 

No. Look. It's just a normal patch of land that's had the "Hue" setting in Photoshop changed. See, you can change it back really easily:

The picture was posted to Flickr by Dutch photographer Sander Copier. It's a shot of the grounds of Soestdijk Palace in Baarn, Utrecht (so it's not a forest, never mind being mystical). A quick check proves that the grass and trees there are, in fact, normal grass and tree color.

12. "This is an Inari Fox" 

IT'S A STUFFED TOY, YOU COCKWOMBLES.

13. "Baby Dragon" 

Yeah, OK, seems legit.

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 :_

Medicinal Flowers and Their Uses:_

 

For several centuries, medical practitioners have long acknowledged the therapeutic properties of certain flowers. More than just spanning time, this knowledge also spans many cultures around the world. One of the greatest advantages is that flowers and plants offer completely natural medicinal properties, often without the scary side effects that modern pills and medications bring on. Furthermore, remedies made from flowers can be much cheaper than drugs marketed by pharmaceutical companies.

The best places to obtain dried flowers or their essential oils is a herbal health store. Be careful when preparing tonics and other mixtures since some flowers can be very potent. Pregnant or nursing mothers in particular should consult with their doctor before using any essential oils. To learn more about using medicinal flowers for home remedies, have a look at some of the most effective ones below.
Angelica Herb – Remember the green bits of candied angelica used to decorate cakes? It comes from the very same plant as the Angelica flower. Like the rest of the plant, the flower is extremely fragrant and has a number of medicinal uses including digestive disorders and coughs and colds. It can also be given as a strengthening tonic for seniors and children.
Begonia – Begonias can be prepared in several different ways. An infusion made by soaking the flowers in hot water helps to eliminate headaches and rid the body of toxins. The crushed flowers and leaves can also be rubbed directly on the skin to help relieve pain and heal sores or burns.
Bellis Perennis – Also known as the common daisy, this flower holds a wealth of medicinal properties despite its unassuming appearance. When used in an infusion, it acts as a laxative as well as an expectorant to purge the body of toxic matter. It is also used as a home remedy to help treat physical disorders such as arthritis and rheumatism. Direct application to the skin through an ointment or poultice aids in healing wounds.
Black Cohosh – Women should be very careful when using Black Cohosh as it is an extremely potent flower. Black Cohosh can be used as an emmenagogue, which means that it stimulates the uterus. Women with menstrual problems can effectively use low doses of this flower to help regulate their cycles and relieve pain. In the same vein, pregnant women should avoid it since it can bring on a miscarriage or early labor.
Blood Root – This little white flower is very effective in low doses when treating respiratory problems. It can be made into a paste when mixed with other compounds and applied on the skin to treat rashes, warts and various dermic problems. When ingested as a tea or tonic, bloodroot is very effective in cleansing the blood and lowering fevers.
Blue Lobelia – Native Indians used Blue Lobelia as a treatment for syphilis as well as less severe ailments. Tea made with this flower helps to relieve fevers, coughs and colds, and digestive problems.
Butterfly Weed – Also used in Native Indian cuisine, Butterfly Weed is primarily effective in treating respiratory and related lung issues. When ingested in large amounts, it can be used for internal cleansing and pain relief. Direct application to the skin in the form of a poultice can help to reduce swelling or heal wounds.
Calendula – The bright yellow petals of calendula flowers are most effective when mixed with other substances to create ointments or creams. It can then be used on the skin to heal burns, cuts, and wounds.
California Poppy – Don’t worry when using California Poppies since they are not addictive and do not have any opium in the plant. However, it can be used to help reduce anxiety and insomnia, as well as bladder problems in children and adults. California Poppies can be used along with other natural sources over a longer period of time to help with depression and fatigue.
Carnation – When separated from the base of the flower (which is bitter), Carnation petals can be brewed to make an excellent tea to reduce anxiety, agitation, stress and fatigue. Moreover, it also has a healing effect on the skin and can bring down swelling.
Chrysanthemum – Chyrsanthemums are another flower that make a great tea when steeped in hot water. Drinking this tea brings marked relief for those suffering from a fever, headache or common cold. The cooled liquid can also be applied as a compress to soothe tired eyes.
Corn Flower – These distinctive sky-blue flowers have long been used to deliver relief to medical patients. Corn Flower tea acts as a laxative and also as a mouth cleanser. It is safe to consume the flowers in their raw state. A paste made from corn flowers brings relief to acne and tired or irritated eyes.
Dandelion – Dandelions are very effective for cleaning the blood and also helping with related issues, such as anemia. In Native American culture, it was also used as a laxative and a tonic of overall wellbeing.
Foxglove – Used in moderation, foxgloves have proved to be valuable in curing edema (previously known as dropsy). It is also used as a tea to remedy coughs and colds or as a compress for skin swellings or sores.
Gardenia – Gardenias feature heavily in Chinese medicine for blood cleansing and disorders, bladder problems, and physical injuries. It also works on a mental level in helping to alleviate depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia and similar disorders.
Jasmine – Sweet, exotic jasmine flowers do not only make delicious cup of tea, but they also aid in digestive issues, stomach ulcers and ulcers. Sipping this brew before bedtime can help to ward off insomnia and anxiety.
Honeysuckle – Honeysuckle flowers are safe to eat raw and can be used to create an antibacterial gargle wash for sore throats. Skin rashes or inflammation are also effectively treated by applying a paste made from the flowers.
Hyssop– Hyssop has been used as far back as Biblical times and is renowned for its potency against sore throats, bronchitis, congested chests, rheumatism and arthritis. It can also be used to improve circulation of the blood.
Lilac – Lilacs can be steeped to make a tonic that reduces fever and to get rid of internal parasites. Skin burns or wounds are soothed and heal well when a paste or gel made from lilacs is applied.
Lotus – Lotus flowers are popular in both Eastern and Western cultures for their effectiveness against fever, diarrhea and also more serious illnesses such as cholera and bronchitis. A syrup made from the flower provides much relief for bad coughs.
May Apple – May Apples are extremely potent (even toxic) and should be used very carefully, preferably with the supervision of a professional herbalist. A small amount can be brewed as a tea or tonic to make a powerful laxative and can also bring on vomiting.
Morning Glory (PDF) – Use caution not to ingest Morning Glory seeds as it could cause strong hallucinatory effects. The flower is used in several cultures as a laxative and general purge. Morning Glory also acts as an emmenagogue to bring on menstruation or labor.
Nasturtium – The anti-microbial properties of Nasturtium makes it an effective remedy against colds and flu. It is also useful in treating infections of the lungs, bladder and reproductive organs.
Passionflower – Passionflower contains medical properties best suited for treating disorders such as insomnia, agitation, anxiety, and epilepsy. It also acts on the nerves to reduce pain and induce a calming sensation.
Peony – Medicinal use of Peonies dates back to the ancient Chinese civilization. Consuming a tonic made from the flower is helpful as a muscle relaxant in cases such as general muscular pain and cramps and also menstrual discomfort.
Plum Flowers – Plum flowers are primarily used in Chinese medicine to free the body from parasites and ulcers. They are also used to boost digestive health.
Rose (PDF) – Roses contain a good deal of Vitamin C and are very safe for human consumption. The petals can be eaten raw to increase blood circulation, and they also relieve depression. Rose tea acts as a mild laxative. A paste or cream made from the petals does wonders to improve the condition of the skin, especially on the face.
Rosy Periwinkle – Rosy periwinkle has traditionally been given as a tea for diabetes and high blood pressure. It has also made the news in recent years for its beneficial properties towards diseases that include leukemia, cancer and Hodgkin’s Disease.
Snapdragon (PDF) – Snapdragon can be used as a gentle sedative and mental relaxant. It is especially useful when battling insomnia or stress.
Sunflower – Consuming a brew made from sunflowers helps greatly with ulcers and menstrual cramps. It can also be used as a wash for gargling in cases of sore throats.

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Is eating soaked almonds without peeling the skin healthy?

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Is eating soaked almonds without peeling the skin healthy?

Eating almonds the wrong way could actually harm your digestion. Eating them the right way allows your body to reap the benefits of this concentrated power food.

Almonds are usually difficult for most people to digest because of an enzyme-inhibiting substance in their brown coating. Soaking or sprouting removes this inhibitor so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job.

Why soaked almonds are better - Firstly, the brown peel of almonds contains tannin which inhibits nutrient absorption. Once you soak almonds the peel comes off easily and allows the nut to release all nutrients easily.

Benefits of soaked almonds:

1. Help with digestion - Soaking almonds helps in releasing enzymes which in turn help with digestion. Soaking almonds releases enzyme lipase which is beneficial for digestion of fats.

2. Help with weight loss - The monounsaturated fats in almonds curb your appetite and keep you full. So feel free to snack on them because they'll help you avoid binge-eating and trigger weight-loss.

3. Almonds keep your heart healthy reduce bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein) and increase good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein).

4. They are a good source of antioxidants: Vitamin E present in soaked almonds works as an antioxidant which inhibits free radical damage that prevents ageing and inflammation.

5. Fight Cancer: Soaked almonds contain Vitamin B17 which is vital for fighting cancer.

6. Flavonoid present in almonds suppresses tumor growth.

7. Help in lowering and maintaining glucose levels and regulating high blood pressure.

8. Soaked almonds contain folic acid which reduces birth defects.

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Most Amazing Place to Visit Before You Die :- Whitehaven Beach, Australia:

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Most Amazing Place to Visit Before You Die :- Whitehaven Beach, Australia:

 Known for its bright white sands, Whitehaven Beach is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Due to Australia’s large size, the country is blessed with a wide variety of natural landmarks. The beach, located on Whitsunday Island is only accessible by boat and boasts a strong record of eco-friendly behaviour. Additionally, travellers should be warned that cigarette smoking and Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

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Most Poisonous Plants: Wisteria

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Most Poisonous Plants: Wisteria

 

10 Most Poisonous Plants on Earth

December 28, 2016

10MostToday

Nature, Wildlife

Here are some thoughts on the Most Poisonous Plants on Earth! Mother earth is sometimes strange; at times she is kind and humane like genuine mother, yet other times she can seem very harsh indeed.  Many plant species are beautiful but they have developed defensive mechanisms that can be deadly to other species including humans.
Pretty much everyone is naturally scared of snakes and spiders, but little do they know that there are attractive looking plants and also their blossoms that can be as dangerous as these serpents and crawlers.  Some reports say that there are greater than 100,000 people that get affected by dangerous plants annually.
So without further ado, here are the 10 Most Poisonous Plant on Earth that you should definitely try to stay away from.

1. Most Poisonous Plants: Wisteria

These are stunning looking purple blossoms that originate from Japan, some parts of USA as well as China but today found all around the world. The Wisteria is a creeping vine and the plant can be quite large with a thick trunk and vine branches that can extend as far as 60 ft. While the blossoms on it look fairly lovely, it is thought that entire plant is rather harmful; eating any part of the shrub can create the following:

• Migraine and headache
• Queasiness and nausea
• Fever and also diarrhea

The treatment to exposure however is quite simple consisting mainly of anti-nausea drugs.

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How To Fight Migraines Without Drugs

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How To Fight Migraines Without Drugs

Among one of the most common ailments that people suffer on a regular basis is one that can quite literally be crippling: the migraine headache. There are almost as many causes for a migraine as there are remedies, but even with modern medicine some migraines just can’t be beaten.

That’s where an unusual solution comes in:Salt.

According to The Ultimate Healing System, common household salt, when mixed in high concentrations into lemonade or lime juice can cure headaches almost instantly. Now, high concentrations of salt are NOT recommended for regular use, but have been proven to wipe out the most stubborn headaches. Also, and it might be an old wives tale, apparently rubbing a lime half on your forehead can cure headaches as well.

The basis for the solution lies in the belief that migraines can be caused from sodium deficiencies. Since salt is so quickly absorbed in the blood, the headache disappears almost instantly. So, Next time you feel a migraine creeping up on you, reach for the salt, instead of the Excedrin.

#UltimateHealingSystem #Nature #Migraines #Drugs
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#Long-leaved pine | चीड़ (Long-leaved pine) -

Nature : IncredableNature : Its all about Nature (Natural Things,Its Real Facts,Love,Energy,Spirituality). Everything about Nature Which exists in this whole Universe.

चीड़ (Long-leaved pine) -
चीड़ का बहुत ऊँचा वृक्ष होता है | इसकी छाल में किसी औज़ार से क्षत करने पर एक प्रकार का चिकना गोंद निकलता है जिसे श्रीवास या गंधविरोजा कहते हैं | इसके वृक्ष से तारपीन का तेल भी निकाला जाता है | प्राचीन आयुर्वेदीय संहिताओं व निघण्टुओं में सरल नाम से चीड़ का वर्णन प्राप्त होता है | इसके फल देवदारु के फल जैसे किन्तु आकार में कुछ बड़े ,पिरामिड आकार के नुकीले होते हैं | इसका पुष्पकाल एवं फलकाल मार्च से नवम्बर तक होता है | 

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चीड़ के औषधीय प्रयोग -

१- चीड़ के गोंद (गंधविरोजा) का क्वाथ बनाकर कुल्ला करने से मुँह के छाले ठीक होते हैं |

२- चीड़ के तेल की छाती पर मालिश करने से सांस की नली की सूजन,श्वास तथा खांसी में लाभ होता है |

३- गंधविरोजा (चीड़ का गोंद ) को घाव पर लगाने से घाव जल्दी भर जाता है तथा घावों में पस भी नहीं होती है |

४- गर्मी के कारण यदि शरीर में छोटी-छोटी फुंसियां निकल आई हों तो चीड़ के तेल को लगाकर पांच मिनट बाद धो देने से लाभ होता है |

५- बच्चों की पसली चलने पर चीड़ तेल में बराबर की मात्रा में सरसों का तेल मिलाकर धीरे-धीरे मालिश करने से लाभ होता है |

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#Health--15 Amazing Uses Of #Cucumbers

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#Health--15 Amazing Uses Of #Cucumbers

WHO KNEW CUCUMBERS COULD DO ALL THIS!!!

Spice up your 8 glasses per day of water with a slice or two of cucumber. It’s wonderfully refreshing, but there are amazing benefits to cucumber as well. Cucumbers are cooler than you think …
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1. Fat busting: Do you ever wonder why women put cucumbers on their eyes to relieve puffiness? The photochemical in cucumbers makes the collagen in your skin tighten, thus the lack of puffiness. Did you know that you can rub a cucumber on a problematic spot of cellulite anywhere on your body to lessen the visibility of it? Did you also know that it has the same effect on wrinkles? Wow, it makes purchasing those fifty dollar creams seem a little silly, doesn’t it? You can also rub a little bit under your kiddo’s eyes after a long bout of crying to avoid that puffy ‘I cried for an hour straight’ look.

2. Defogger: Do you get annoyed when you get out of the shower and you have to fight the fog on the mirror? Who has time for that when the kids will be awake at any moment? Try rubbing a slice of cucumber on the mirror before you hop in and not only will you get a fog-free mirror, but you’ll have a nice smell that will boost your mood.

3. Headaches: If you suffer from headaches from chasing your babies all day (or pets or your husband), or had a little too much wine with dinner and want to avoid a hangover, eat half of a cucumber before bed. Cucumbers are high in B vitamins, sugar, and electrolytes, and they replenish the nutrients missing in your body to help you avoid a hang over or to beat that headache that’s been threatening to take over.

4. WD-40 replacement: Did you know you can get rid of a squeak by rubbing a cucumber on the hinge? Wow, now you don’t have to tear your garage apart looking for that little can with the red straw, and the baby won’t wake up when you slowly open the nursery door to check on him.

5. Crayon on the walls: Take an unpeeled cucumber and rub the crayon off of the walls in the event that your kiddo left you some art. You can also use this technique to erase a pen mistake.

6. Halitosis killer: Take a slice of cucumber and put it on the roof of your mouth. Hold it there with your tongue for 30 seconds. The photochemical that you love for cellulite and puff reduction will also kill the bacteria that is causing your bad breath.

7. Tarnish remover: If you’re finding tarnish on your stainless steel kitchen faucets and appliances? Rub it off with a cucumber slice. Not only will it remove years of tarnish, it will leave it streak free and your hands will thank you, and your kids won’t be put at risk from a dangerous chemical.

8. Energy booster: If you’re feeling tired in the afternoon, don’t give Starbucks your five bucks. Instead, grab a cucumber. There are just enough carbohydrates and B vitamins to give you a longer-lasting and healthier boost of energy than soda, coffee, or those health hazard energy drinks.

9. Munchy madness: Did you know that European trappers ate cucumbers for energy and to keep from starving to death? If those big burly manly men can eat a cucumber to keep from starving, you can eat one as a healthy choice when the munchies hit. Slice some up and take them in a small plastic container to the movies if your theater doesn’t offer healthy alternatives to munching on butter soaked popcorn.

10. Frugal facial: Slice up a cucumber and boil it in a pot of water. The chemicals inside of the cucumber will mix with the steam. Remove the pot from heat and lean over it, letting the steam hit you. Your skin will be more radiant and healthy, and you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

11. Shoe polish: Cut a slice off of your cucumber and rub it on your shoe. It will not only shine it up, but it will repel water.

12. Pest control: Put three or four slices of cucumber in a small pie tin and place them in your garden. The chemicals in the cucumber have a reaction that pests hate. You won’t smell it, but it will drive them from your garden all year long. Replace them periodically.

13. Sunburn: Sometimes sun block doesn’t always protect your little ones from sunburn. If you have burnt little kiddos you don’t have any aloe, rub some cucumber on them. Many doctors even use cucumber to treat patients with irritated skin and sunburns.

14. Blood pressure: Cucumber has been long used to treat high blood pressure. If you have it, add cucumbers to your daily diet. There is also ongoing research into the use of cucumbers for lowering cholesterol.

15. Constipation remedy: The seeds of a cucumber are a diuretic. If you’re constipated, try eating a cucumber. If you suffer from chronic constipation, add cucumber to your daily diet

 

#Health -- Benefits of Walking

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#Health -- Benefits of Walking

1. It strengthens your heart

Regular walking has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. It lowers levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and keeps blood pressure in check.

“Anything that raises your heart rate and gets your blood pumping is a workout for your heart and circulatory system,” says personal trainer Stuart Amory. According to the Stroke Association, walking briskly for up to 30 minutes can help prevent and control the high blood pressure that can cause strokes – reducing your risk by up to 27 per cent.
2. It lowers disease risk

As well as heart disease, a walking habit can slash your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, asthma and some cancers. A study in the British Medical Journal showed taking more steps every day can help ward off diabetes. And according to the charity Walking For Health, regular exercise such as walking could reduce risk by up to 60 per cent. Those of us who are active have around a 20 per cent lower risk of developing cancer of the colon, breast and womb than those least active.
3. It keeps weight in check

“If you’re trying to lose weight, you need to burn about 600 calories a day more than you’re eating,” says Amory. “Putting one foot in front of the other is one of the easiest ways to do that.” A person weighing 60kg burns 75 calories simply by strolling at 2mph for 30 minutes. Increase that to 3mph and they’ll burn 99 calories. Speed it up to a fast walk (4mph) and that’s 150 calories – the equivalent of three Jaffa Cakes or a jam doughnut. “Walking also increases muscle mass and tone and the more muscle you have, the faster your metabolism – so the more calories you burn, even at rest,” he adds.
4. It can help prevent dementia

Dementia affects one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80. We know being active has a protective effect on brain function and regular exercise reduces dementia risk by up to 40 per cent. And, according to Age UK, older people who walk six miles or more per week could avoid brain shrinkage and so preserve memory as the years pass.
5. …and osteoporosis, too

“Walking counts as a weight-bearing activity,” says Amory. “It stimulates and strengthens bones, increasing their density – really important, especially for women. It also helps maintain healthy joints so may stave off conditions such as arthritis.”
6. It tones your legs, bum – and tum

A good walk can help strengthen and shape your legs, giving great definition to calves, quads, hamstrings and lifting your glutes (buttock muscles) – especially if you add hills. But if you really pay attention to your posture as you walk, it can tone your abs and whittle your waist, too.

Fitness expert Joanna Hall is founder of the Walkactive method of ‘conscious’ walking for better posture and overall fitness results. She says: “Think about lengthening up through your spine to create space between your earlobes and shoulders. Relax your shoulders, pull in your tummy and pelvic floor and imagine you have a cup of water balanced on top of each hip bone that you don’t want to spill. As you walk with this posture, your shoulders will naturally rotate and this works your oblique abdominal muscles – you’ll be taking inches off your waist with every step.” Check out these 12 fitness videos on how to tone your body.
7. Let’s not forget your arms

“Your speed when walking comes from your arms,” says Hall. “Hold them at a comfortable level, bent at the elbow, and swing them backwards and forwards as you walk. Swing them faster and you’ll automatically speed up. And all this movement tones your arms, shoulders and upper back.” Bye bye, bingo wings!
8. It boosts your vitamin D levels

If you’re walking outside in daylight, you’ll be boosting your body’s stores of vitamin D – a nutrient that’s hard to get from food, but that we can synthesise from exposure to sunlight. Many people in the UK are deficient in vitamin D and it’s a nutrient that plays a big role in everything from bone health to immunity. While sun safety is still important (see www.sunsmart.org.uk), experts agree that exposing as much skin as you can to the sun, little and often and without burning, will help you to produce sufficient vitamin D.
9. It gives you energy

It might seem like a paradox (and the last thing you might feel like) but a brisk walk is one of the best natural energizers around. It boosts circulation and increases oxygen supply to each and every cell in your body, helping you to feel more alert and alive. It wakes up stiff joints and eases muscle tension so you feel less sluggish. Always have a mid-afternoon energy slump at work? Head out for a walk at lunchtime instead of sitting in a café or at your desk and see what a difference it makes. Here are some other quick ways to boost your energy levels.
10. It makes you happy

The ability of exercise to boost mood is undisputed. Studies have shown regular, moderate-intensity exercise (such as brisk walking) to be as effective as antidepressants in cases of mild to moderate depression. Getting active releases feel-good endorphins into the bloodstream, reducing stress and anxiety. And don’t forget it’s often a social activity – joining a walking group or meeting friends to walk and chat is a great way to banish feelings of isolation and loneliness. A survey by the charity Mind found 83 per cent of people with mental health issues look to exercise to help lift their mood. For greatest benefit, they say, get active outdoors and somewhere green. Check out our tips on how to join a walking group.