For those looking to improve their health, one activity that can be particularly beneficial is jogging. Jogging has been shown to improve lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity and overall cognitive function in those who jog regularly. Additionally, jogging may also increase appetite, which can be beneficial for those trying to gain weight.
Increases Appetite
For those trying to gain weight, jogging may be particularly beneficial due to its effects on appetite. In a study described in the "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness" in 2010, after a low-intensity bout of jogging, subjects given access to food ended up consuming an average of three times as many calories as they had burned during the jogging session, which was significantly greater than the control group. The researchers suggested that this increase in appetite was likely due to psychological, rather than physiological, factors as the subjects often felt that they had earned the extra food and were attempting to reward themselves with extra calories. While this can be a drawback for those struggling to lose fat, those who wish to consume more calories can take advantage of this phenomenon by incorporating jogging into their exercise regimen.
Improves Lipid Profiles
One health benefit that can be gained through jogging is an improvement in blood lipid profiles. According to research in the "Journal of Clinical Lipidology" in 2007, regular jogging caused significant elevations in HDL levels compared to the control group. This may be beneficial, as HDL appears to have cardioprotective benefits, and those with unfavorable lipids may be at a significantly increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Another reason that jogging may be beneficial is because research in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" in 2007 has shown that jogging can cause substantial improvements in insulin sensitivity. This is important for health, as maintaining insulin sensitivity is necessary for proper blood glucose regulation, which prevents excess levels of sugar from remaining in your bloodstream and causing damage. If insulin resistance becomes excessive, diabetes can result, which makes jogging an effective method for preventing diabetes and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.
Improves Cognitive Function
Along with aiding in insulin sensitivity, another aspect of health that can be improved by jogging is cognitive function. According to research in the journal "Trends in Neurosciences" in 2007, exercises such as jogging cause the body to create large amounts of the substance known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which improves memory and overall brain function. For those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases, this can be very beneficial, making jogging an excellent choice for anybody who seeks improved cognitive function.
References
- "Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness"; Normal Weight Men and Women Overestimate Exercise Energy Expenditure; S.M. Willbond, et al.; 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Lipidology"; Impact of Exercise on Blood Lipids and Lipoproteins; J.F. Gutierrez, G. Fletcher; 2007
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Exercise Alone Reduces Insulin Resistance in Obese Children Independently of Changes in Body Composition; L.M. Bell, et al.; 2007
- "Trends in Neuroscience"; Exercise Builds Brain Health: Key Roles of Growth Factor Cascades and Inflammation; C.W. Cotman, et al.; 2007
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