We always hear that sports add years to your life, but we don't know how. Exercise can reduce the risk of some diseases that can lead to death.
Heart health
Regular exercise reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), body fat, blood pressure, blood glucose, and increases good cholesterol (HDL). Since the heart is a muscle, the more we exercise the stronger the heart muscle will be. Cardio exercises such as walking, jogging, running, swimming, hiking and dancing are good for heart health because they increase the heart rate and require more oxygen to reach the heart.
cancer risk
Sport can reduce the risk of cancer, for example about 20-40% of cancers can be prevented by exercise. Also, exercise can reduce levels of some hormones that help in the development of cancer, and increase immunity to fight cancer cells.
Brain health
Exercise can help prevent Alzheimer's disease and boost cognitive function. When we exercise, blood flows to the brain, and brain chemicals are released, which protect against Alzheimer's disease.
diabetic
People with diabetes who exercise have lower blood glucose levels and better insulin sensitivity, which reduces the incidence of heart disease and other diabetes complications by 40% when they exercise 4 hours per week. One study found that walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week reduced the risk of developing diabetes by 30%.
It's never too late to start exercising regularly, start walking for 15 minutes a day and increase it to 60 minutes gradually until your body gets used to movement and sports.