Exercise: LITTLE effort brings BIG reward?

Here I go again, extolling the benefits of exercise.

But hopefully, by doing so—I’ll eventually write about something that gets YOU excited.

Because as I’m always saying…

Doing something is better than nothing.

And when researchers attach BIG reward to LITTLE effort, I’m always hopeful it’s something you’ll feel you can—and should—achieve.

Well, today’s lesson on exercise does just that…

LESS can be more

A recent study found just six minutes of cycling—my personal favorite type of exercise—is beneficial to staving off age-related cognitive decline.

How? By increasing production of a vital protein involved in learning and memory

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

In a small study, researchers measured circulating BDNF levels after a 20-hour fast, 90 minutes of light cycling, six minutes of high-intensity cycling, and a combination of fasting and exercise.

Ultimately, they found that cycling for just six minutes was the most efficient way to increase the protein.

In fact, it boosted circulating BDNF four to five times more than 90 minutes of low-intensity exercise.

Bring it on!

When we exercise, our muscles produce lactic acid—that’s why you’ll sometimes feel sore afterwards.

But when we engage in high-intensity exercise, our brains stop using glucose for fuel. Instead, it uses lactate.

And, according to the study, that “simple” switch in energy sources leads to greater BDNF production.

Now, while BDNF is an important protein for brain health—and has been proven to stave off dementia in animals—more research is needed to verify that same effect in humans.

That said, we already know how beneficial engaging in regular exercise can be to our overall health… from conquering anxiety, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and more.

And—I will do most anything to reap those rewards! (Especially when it comes to my safeguarding my cognition.)

So, if a few minutes of high-intensity exercise is potentially all it takes? As I said earlier…

BRING IT ON!

And I hope that’s what you’re thinking, too…

P.S. For an all-natural protocol to protect and restore memory, strengthen focus, and fight dementia, check out my Alzheimer’s Prevention and Treatment Plan. To learn more about this online learning tool, click here now!

Source:

“Can 6 Minutes of Intense Cycling Put the Brakes on Alzheimer’s?” Medscape, 01/12/2023. (medscape.com/viewarticle/986886)


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