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Exercise improves blood flow by making your blood vessels larger so the blood can circulate smoothly. Not only is this great news for your heart, it's also good for your brain.
In a study, high-intensity exercise showed an increase in the participants brains' glucose uptake, and higher metabolic activity on the parts of the brain most affected by Parkinson's disease.
Chronic inflammation has been suggested as the underlying reason for many diseases to develop.
Building muscles pumps a number of molecules into the blood. These molecules, known as myokines, are released in response to muscle exertion and can actually influence how other organs work.
High-intensity interval training also has a similar effect, a study shows.
The immune system needs lots of amino acids. It uses these to make antibodies that fight infection.
Exercise can help prevent the accumulation of visceral fat, which is more inflamed than subcutaneous fat, and can contribute to chronic inflammation.
Improved blood flow might help prevent cognitive decline in a number of ways. Studies have shown that it can lead to a decline in Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that “no statistically detectable differences were evident between exercise and interventions in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and prediabetes.”
While not conclusive, another study indicated that more than half of the participants with type 2 diabetes were able to stop taking medication to lower their blood sugar within a year of taking up regular exercise.
Muscle is the largest consumer of glucose after a meal, meaning that a glucose spike will be controlled faster, minimizing the risk of high blood sugar for prolonged periods of time. A scenario that’s not good for people prone to diabetes.
According to a study, aerobic exercise, on its own, or in combination with strength training, improves mitochondrial function, therefore reducing oxidative damage.
Exercise increases the size of the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for memory) and also increases nerve cell connections in the brain.
Another study found that “exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.”
This will obviously depend on the type of exercise, but most will improve your body composition.
According to the NHS, regular exercise reduces the risk of osteoarthritis by 83%, and can lower the risk of hip fracture up to 68%.
As we age, a decline in the function of mitochondria, our cells' energy generators, occurs. The mitochondria is then unable to work properly and that can lead cells to generate more oxidants, leading to degeneration.
Having more muscle mass has a number of health benefits. Namely, a decreased risk of diabetes.
These molecules help regulate muscle growth, nutrient metabolism, and inflammation, among others.
Exercise is shown to be an effective way to help avoid a number of conditions, and boost the immune system.
This molecule in particular can help suppress hunger and enhance the immune system's response to cancer.
Muscle stores amino acids. When an organ needs amino acids, these are usually drawn from muscle.
A study showed that exercise was more effective than treatment among stroke patients.
This other signaling molecule can actually contribute to the production of new brain cells.
Building muscle can help fight against oxidative damage that naturally occurs as we age.
Exercise can boost your love life by optimizing your hormone levels, particularly testosterone.
We’re constantly being told that we should not have a sedentary lifestyle, that we should move more, and that exercise is good for us. But how good, exactly? How does regular exercise actually impact our bodies and why is it so important?
Click on the following gallery and discover the answers to these and other questions.
This is exactly why exercise is good for you
Find out how regular movement can have a transformative effect on your body
HEALTH Workout
We’re constantly being told that we should not have a sedentary lifestyle, that we should move more, and that exercise is good for us. But how good, exactly? How does regular exercise actually impact our bodies and why is it so important?
Click on the following gallery and discover the answers to these and other questions.