The Exercise Benefit You NEVER Saw Coming
Exercise is good for much more than just shrinking your waistline and building muscles.
In fact, just last week, I told you about a study showing that exercise can help cancel out the negative effect of poor sleep on your heart. (Click here to catch up.)
Today, I’ll share the details of a study showing that exercise can support ANOTHER unexpected vital organ…
Previous studies have linked exercise to cognitive benefits like better memory, less anxiety, and a reduced dementia risk.
But what does exercise actually DO to the brain itself?
To find out, researchers peered into volunteer’s skulls using MRIs.
This inside peek revealed that folks who exercise regularly have BIGGER brains in various key areas.
These included…
- gray matter (used for memory processing),
- white matter (which connects brain regions),
- and the hippocampus (which is vital for memory).
These bulked-up brain regions are critical for preventing dementia and boosting cognitive function.
Personally, I prefer to replace the word exercise with movement.
The term exercise often implies going to the gym, lifting weights, or following some sort of intense workout video.
Plenty of people I know have zero interest in doing those things, REGARDLESS of their proven benefits.
In reality, ANY kind of movement is better than sitting around.
This could simply mean engaging in projects around the house, like painting, gardening, sewing, or woodworking.
Have a “Honey Do” list you’ve been meaning to tackle? That also counts as “exercise.” Or grab a spouse or friend and go on some nature walks.
The MORE you move, the better… for your body AND brain.
P.S. WARNING: This popular diet leads to brain drain. Do THIS instead…
SOURCE:
Raji, Cyrus A. et al. ‘Exercise-Related Physical Activity Relates to Brain Volumes in 10,125 Individuals’. 1 Jan. 2024: 829 – 839