"Walking changes your body"… 6 medical benefits of walking

"Walking changes your body"… 6 medical benefits of walking

Walking is one of the safest and most effective ways to improve your health. The changes a regular 30-minute walk can bring to our bodies are quite dramatic. But what are the medical benefits of walking? We explored this with data from the American health and medical media outlet Healthline.

 

 

Reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease and various types of cancer

 

It reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by approximately 30%. Regular 30-minute walks not only increase good cholesterol (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL), but also lower blood pressure. They also help prevent diabetes, colon cancer, breast cancer, and uterine cancer.

Maintain a healthy weight

 

This creates a virtuous cycle of weight control. A 60kg person walking 3.6km for 30 minutes a day burns 150 calories. However, this is significant because increased muscle mass increases the basal metabolic rate, creating a virtuous cycle of weight control.

 

Defeat dementia

 

It also has a dementia-preventing effect. Walking about 10 kilometers a week helps prevent brain atrophy and memory loss, which reduces brain volume.

 

Prevent osteoporosis

 

Walking outdoors during the day not only increases your production of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, but also increases bone density, which helps prevent osteoporosis.

 

Strengthen your muscles

 

Walking uphill strengthens not only your lower body muscles but also a variety of other muscles. Walking uphill strengthens your glutes, helping you achieve "apple hips," and also strengthens your abs.

 

Brings vitality and happiness

 

It induces vitality and happiness. Walking improves blood circulation, increasing oxygen supply to the body's cells. It also relieves muscle and joint tension, increasing vitality. This effect is comparable to that of common antidepressants. It also promotes endorphin production, effectively reducing stress and anxiety.

 

 

 

Reporter Kwon Soon-il (kstt77@kormedi.com)