Look Beautiful

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are not new to people. The most common benefit of exercise is that it controls weight. But is this benefit even new? Many people jog every early in the morning, visit the gym regularly, and try out sports and other physical activities because they want to lose weight. Another known benefit of exercise is that it increases metabolic rate as it burns calories. Surprisingly enough, exercise has a lot more to give than what many people think.

The first less-known benefit of exercise is that it reduces one’s risks of cancer. During a recent research at the Washington University School of Medicine, among 52 studies conducted it was revealed that the most active people are 21 percent less likely to be diagnosed with cancer. Moderate activities may lower the risks of several types of cancer but roughly moderate to vigorous exercise is needed to reduce the risks of breast cancer. Good news here is that it is never too late to start exercising because those who were not exercising when they were younger but have began exercising at least an hour a day were reported to be 16 percent less likely to have cancer.

 Develops new brain cells

Another little known benefit of exercise is that it develops new brain cells, causing an improved memory and cognitive skills. During a study by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where thirty men and women with ages ranging from 60-79 years, the brain volume of these thirty sedentary men and women increased after six months of aerobic exercise. The areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are responsible for memory and learning hence the improved memory and cognition.

 Powerful antidepressant

The third little known benefit of exercise is that it is a powerful antidepressant. Several studies have shown that exercise promotes mental health and reduces indications of depression. However, it may take at least thirty minutes of exercise a day for at least three to five days a week to notably observe the improvement in the symptoms of depression.

Boosts insulin sensitivity

Yet another benefit of exercise that only a few may know about is that it boosts insulin sensitivity. Exercise improves insulin sensitivity by increasing the number of a certain protein molecule which allows cells to respond well enough to insulin and ultimately fight the risks of diabetes. This is beneficial especially to aging people.

The fifth less-known benefit of exercise is that it promotes longevity. According to studies, people who spend most of their day sitting and relaxing have relatively higher rates of mortality as compared to those that are physically active. 

The last benefit of exercise is that it results to an improved sexual function thus giving a better sex life. Improvements in muscle strength, endurance, and cardiovascular function all lead to better sexual functioning.

With these amazing secrets of exercise, a lot more people will surely be encouraged to exercise regularly. Are you one of them?