By Patricia Uyeh

Jesus Christ had a beard. Even Santa Claus had beards not forgetting one time US president, Abraham Lincoln. Our very own Nobel Laureate, Wole soyinka also has beards. With the likes of Nobel Igwe, DJ Obi, Lynxx, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Praiz, OC Ukeje, Chidi Mokeme, Banky W and other members of the beard gang, their beards have become their trademarks. Though beards could be itchy and hard to maintain, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Having a beard is not only stylish, it has health benefits. Here are reasons why as a guy, you should keep beards:

1. Beards protects your face from the sun:
The more your face is exposed to sun, the more likely you become susceptible to sunburn, wrinkles and skin cancer. Keeping a beard protects the face from the sun’s ultrviolent rays.
2. Beards keep guys warm:
Surprisingly, facial hair can act as barrier of protection against cold. Beards keep the face warm and starve uncomfortable dryness.

3.Beards prevent throat diseases:
Research shows that facial hair can actually keep certain airborne bacteria from entering the mouth. Hence, having a beard can actually keep throat diseases away.

4. Beards prevent asthma attacks:
According to Dr. Felix Chua, a respiratory physician in a London based clinic, beards can actually prevent allergens from entering the nose and the lungs.That being said, beards can also store allergens so it important to wipe your beard down and use soap and water to clean it.

5.Facial hair slows the aging process:
Beards can make a young man look older. Ironically, it keeps the skin looking and feeling younger. This is because facial hair prevents water from running off the skin, keeping it moisturised and maintaining a protective barrier on the surface.

6. Beards help fight cold:
Beards can actually raise the temperature of the skin providing warmth and helping the body fight off viruses.

7. Beards prevent rashes:
Shaving regularly increases chances of getting razor burns, rashes and other skin infections.Men who are prone to skin problems should consider growing beards.

8. Beards save you time,relieving stress:
Lastly, shaving takes time-in most cases, about 5 minutes each day. That is approximately 2.5 hours a month. Do you yourself and favour and use the time for family and friends.

Image credit: zikoko.com