We all know exercise is good for us, but according to a new study exercise may help make us younger. Researchers at the University of Maryland studied the effects of running and the impact it has on hearts.
Telomeres are found on each end of our DNA. The telomeres protect our DNA from deterioration and damage. When damage is caused the telomeres and DNA become shorter in length and can eventually no longer reproduce and die.
Researchers had female mice run 30 minutes at a moderate intensity. Immediately after exercise they tested the cardiac muscle and results showed higher levels of proteins in the muscle, which is associated with increasing telomere length.
The muscle was also tested in the sedentary mice, which showed no increase in telomere length.
Results suggest just 30 minutes of moderate running can prevent our hearts from aging or even better – help them become younger. With age being one of the top risk factors of cardiovascular disease this significant finding is a great motivator to start exercising.
Reference
2017 Feb 6. doi: 10.1113/EP086189
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/EP086189/abstract
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