Fun Facts About the Differences Between Men and Women
Despite the cries for equality between men and women, there are very real – and important – differences between the two sexes. These differences give each one unique strengths, and can help offer a better understanding of individual health needs.
Let's look at some of the physiological, biological, and nutritional – and fun – differences between men and women:
Men's skin is typically thicker by about 25 percent.
On average, men have more muscle mass than women, and those muscles are faster and more powerful. But women's muscles more readily resist fatigue and are faster to recover.
The index finger is the second longest finger for most women, but men's ring fingers are often longer than their index fingers.
A woman's circadian rhythm (physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a 24-hour cycle) is more likely to be six-minutes short of a 24-hour period.
During exercise, women's primary fuel is fat, while for men, it's carbohydrates.
Men have pronounced Adam's apples, because they have larger voice boxes that make the surrounding cartilage stick out more.
Men and women carry different amounts of body fat. The higher body fat in women – about 10 percent – mostly supports reproductive composition. One example is when a woman's body fat gets too low, she stops menstruating.
Women typically carry their body fat in their hips and thighs, while in men, fat tends to deposit around their stomachs.
Men are more likely to be night owls, while women function better during periods of sleep deprivation.
Men are less sensitive to cold temperatures.
With 50 more cells (neurons) in their olfactory bulbs – the part of the brain responsible for processing smells – women have better senses of smell. They also usually have more taste buds than men.
On average, men are more likely to be colorblind, but their eyes also sense movement better. Women are better able to distinguish small differences in color.