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Exercise does more than just keep your body fit. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining and enhancing your brain health.
Renowned researcher, Henriette van Praag, has shown that exercise can stimulate the growth of new brain cells. Her research, conducted on mice, led her to take exercise more seriously as a tool for cognitive enhancement. It’s not just about building muscles or losing weight; it’s about building a healthier, more robust brain.
Regular physical activity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, which are known to elevate mood and improve cognition.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Consistent exercise over time not only enhances cognitive test scores but also offers protection against neurodegenerative diseases.
How?
When we exercise, blood flow increases to the brain. More blood flow, more blood vessels grow. In addition, our exercised muscles release a hormone called irisin. Irisin has neuroprotective effects that can defend against conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Another key player is a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Exercise increases the levels of BDNF , supporting neuron health and the formation of synapses – the junctions where nerve cells communicate. Together with more blood vessels, this could potentially offset brain volume loss associated with aging and protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.
So what’s the lesson here?
~Move~
Exercise brings comprehensive benefits for body as well as brain health and cognitive function. So next time you’re thinking about skipping that workout, remember: you’re not just doing it for your body; you’re doing it for your brain, too!
ZenStorming 