Reported 12 months ago
Why is exercise good for the body and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease? Research has found that one reason is related to how exercise can alleviate stress responses in the brain. Physicians suggest that exercise can lower the chances of heart disease and stroke, as well as relieve stress and improve brain health, recommending everyone to exercise more. Through analyzing data of approximately 50,300 individuals with an average age of 60 who completed exercise questionnaires, a recent study published in the American Heart Association Journal investigated how exercise can lower stress-related neural activity levels and cardiovascular disease risk. The results showed a correlation between more exercise and fewer cardiovascular events, as well as milder amygdala activity (a stress-related brain area). Exercise was also found to reduce more cardiovascular disease risks for depression patients, especially when exceeding the recommended amount of exercise per week. Exercise can effectively reduce stress, with more exercise leading to greater stress relief, as evidenced by brain scans. Previous studies have indicated that stress significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, while the cardiovascular benefits of exercise are partly obtained through stress relief. Authoritative research also confirms that exercise can improve depression. In a large integrated study published in the British Medical Journal this year, exercise was proven to effectively improve depression, with effects equivalent to antidepressant medication and psychotherapy. When feeling down, more exercise is needed to lower the risk of heart disease and stroke, relieve stress, and improve brain health. In today's busy and stressful life, exercising for stress relief is a good choice.
Source: YAHOO