Expert names 3 sports that will keep your brain from aging prematurely
Regular activity will not only help you lose weight, but it will also develop several beneficial qualities.
Provost, health coach, biohacking coach
Brain health is a key aspect of our overall health. Along with proper nutrition and enough sleep, physical activity plays an important role in maintaining it.
Scientists have found that lack of movement has a negative impact on our cognitive functions. While regular exercise reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The recommendation to exercise for brain health is part of the current WHO guidelines.
Moderate activity stimulates blood flow in the brain. This normalizes blood vessels, increases neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons), and improves short- and long-term memory. Doctors and researchers recommend favoring aerobic exercise.
Swimming
One of the best options. It improves blood circulation, develops the lungs, and enriches the brain and other organs with oxygen. Swimming reduces inflammation in the hippocampus (the part of the brain responsible for short-term memory), reduces the percentage of cell death, and increases the survival rate of neurons.
In addition, exercise helps to improve vision. This is achieved by reducing the tension of the eye muscles. Games with a ball or shuttlecock have the same effect.
Volleyball, basketball, tennis
Vigorous sports that not only keep the body in good shape, but also help to develop reaction, intuition and coordination, develop analytical thinking. All this is a preventive measure against brain aging.
In the process of playing, a person gets aerobic exercise, which affects all limbs. And at the same time the brain is actively trained: reflexes and coordination between gaze and hand movements are improved, the cerebellum and parietal lobes are developed. Games with a ball or shuttlecock are a kind of “aerobic chess”.
Walking
A number of studies show that regular walking improves cognitive functions such as attention, concentration, memory and speed of information processing. Walking also reduces stress and anxiety levels, improves mood and self-esteem, which also has positive effects on brain health.
No matter what activity you choose, remember that any training will benefit you. The main thing is to follow the correct technique and give reasonable loads for your health.