We all know the virtues of walking for health in general… But this physical activity has other, more unknown benefits. After reading this article, you will realize that walking is a very simple way to stay healthy. Here are all the benefits you can get from it.
Here are the health benefits of walking that everyone should know
Walking only 30 to 45 minutes every day helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, increase muscle tone, lower blood pressure, promote colon health, regulate mood, prevent glaucoma, prevent weight gain, strengthen bones, regulate and treat diabetes, maintain lung health…
1. Walking to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Walking is very beneficial for brain health and mental health in general. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Virginia shows that men aged 71 to 93 who walked less than half a kilometre a day had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who walked three kilometres a day.
2. Walking tones muscles
Walking tones the muscles of the legs, buttocks and calves (hamstring muscles). For best effectiveness, pay attention to your posture while walking (tighten the abdominals and buttocks 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, Digestive and Renal Diseases advises daily walking to prevent cardiovascular risk and high blood pressure.
4. Walking promotes colon health
Sarah Sarna, a lifestyle expert, says walking reduces the risk of colon cancer in women by 31%. 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 gloomy (depressed) mood, the best thing to do is to go for a walk. Indeed, 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 reduce the pressure in the eyes. According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, moderate physical activity such as walking or jogging three or more times a week can lower eye pressure. This fact has been demonstrated by numerous studies…
7. Walking promotes weight control
Walking is an ideal physical activity for people who don’t have time to go to the gym and who can control weight gain by walking alone. According to Everyday Health, preventing weight gain is very simple, just walk. He cites a study in which women had followed a standard diet while walking for an hour every day. As a result, these women were able to stabilize their weight.
8. Walking strengthens bones
Walking significantly increases muscle strength, bone and joint health. According to the Arthritis Foundation, regular walking 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 only 40% by walking 30 minutes a day.
9. Walking reduces the risk of diabetes
Everyday Health recommends that its readers practice brisk walking because it helps prevent diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. 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 vigorously), it is excellent for maintaining lung health. According to the Arthritis Foundation, walking improves endurance and breath. It increases respiratory capacity, which promotes better oxygen circulation in the body, eliminating waste and increasing energy levels.