We all know the virtues of walking for health in general … But this physical activity has other benefits, more unknown. After reading this article, you will realize that walking is a very simple way to stay healthy. Here are all the benefits you can derive from it.
Here are the health benefits of walking that everyone should know
Walking for only 30 to 45 minutes every day helps to prevent Alzheimer’s disease, increase muscle tone, lower blood pressure, promote good colon health, regulate mood, and improve mood. prevent glaucoma, avoid weight gain, strengthen bones, regulate and treat diabetes, preserve lung health …
1. Walking to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Walking is very beneficial for cerebral health and mental health in general. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia shows that men between the ages of 71 and 93 who walked less than half a kilometer a day had a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who walked three kilometers a day.
2. Walking tones the muscles
Walking tones the muscles of the legs, glutes and calves (hamstrings). For better efficiency, pay attention to your posture as you walk (tighten the abdominals and glutes for better tone).
3. Walking improves cardiovascular health and lowers blood pressure
In general, walking improves heart health and has a positive effect on blood pressure. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises walking daily to prevent cardiovascular risk and high blood pressure.
4. Walking promotes good colon health
Sarah Sarna, a lifestyle expert, says walking reduces the risk of colon cancer by 31% in women. Walking 10 to 15 minutes several times a day improves digestive functions and promotes regular bowel movements.
5. Walking improves mood
If you feel overwhelmed by a depressed mood, the best thing to do is to walk. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that people who walked at least 30 minutes five times a week significantly improved their mood and reduced their depressive symptoms.
6. Walking prevents glaucoma
For people at risk of glaucoma, walking will significantly lessen the pressure in the eyes. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, a moderate-intensity exercise such as walking or jogging three times a week (or more) helps lower eye pressure. A fact demonstrated by many studies …
7. Walking promotes weight control
Walking is an ideal physical activity for people who do not have time to go to the gym and who can control weight gain by walking only. According to the website Everyday Health, preventing the taking of kilos is very simple, just walk. He cites a study where women had followed a standard diet while walking an hour every day. As a result, these women were able to stabilize their weight.
8. Walking strengthens the bones
Walking greatly increases muscle strength, healthy bones and joints. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking regularly strengthens bones and prevents bone loss in people with osteoporosis. In one study, it was shown that women (seniors) reduced the risk of hip fracture by 40% only by walking 30 minutes a day.
9. Walking reduces the risk of diabetes
The website Everyday Health recommends its readers to practice walking fast because it helps prevent diabetes and regulate sugar levels in the blood. According to the American Association of Diabetes Educators, walking for 20 to 30 minutes a day reduces the glycemic index for 24 hours.
10. Walking improves lung health
Although walking is a moderate physical activity (it can be intense if done energetically), it is excellent for maintaining lung health. According to Arthritis Foundation, walking improves endurance and breath. It increases breathing capacity, which promotes better circulation of oxygen in the body, eliminating waste and increasing the energy level.
