Exercise has so many benefits, one of which happens to be warding off disease. But according to a new study there may be more diseases that you can fight with fitness than previously believed.
Not only will you better your chances of not being obese by exercising regularly, your risk of developing about two dozen physical and mental health problems are also reduced. Researchers came to the conclusion after reviewing more than 40 studies.
According to the review, exercise reduces the risk of some cancers, dementia, sexual problems, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, depression, and hypertension. And that’s just a partial list.
The review was done by Leslie Alford, a physiotherapist and lecturer at the University of East Anglia in England.
“The literature reviewed shows that how long people live and how healthy they are depends on a complex mix of factors, including their lifestyle, where they live, and even luck,” says Alford. “Individuals have an element of control over some of these factors, including obesity, diet, smoking, and physical activity.”
Here are some of the specific disease-fighting benefits:
- There is a strong connection between physical activity and a reduced risk of colon cancer.
- Men who are more active at work rather than just sitting at a desk have lower rates of prostate cancer.
- Men who take part in physical activity are less likely to have erectile dysfunction.
- Physical activity reduces the risk of dementia in the elderly.
According Alford, healthy adults between 18 and 65 should aim to get 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise a week. That is about 30 minutes of brisk walking five days per week. If you’re a runner, then it comes to about 20 minutes three times a week.
(via: WebMD)