Health: Brisk walking, the key to regeneration, according to an English study
Like any physical activity, it has a protective effect against cardiovascular diseases and cancer. But what are the biological mechanisms at work?
Brisk walking has long been known to be a health-promoting activity. But how exactly does it work? According to an English-language study, this quick practice will have a rejuvenating effect, which will lead to a longer life expectancy in good health. explanations.
Walking is good for health. It’s a physical activity – not an important fact – within the reach of the greatest number of people. “(This practice) makes it possible to work the joints, muscles and tendons as well as the respiratory system of the heart,” states the Quebec Professional Arrangement of Physiotherapy.
A British team from the University of Leicester studied the genetic data of more than 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank. Thus they were able to compare the state of their chromosomes, and more specifically their telomeres, with their walking habits.
Maintaining telomere length quickly
Telomeres are DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes and are intended to maintain the integrity of our genetic heritage. These items wear out relentlessly. In fact, every time a cell “replicates its DNA before dividing, it loses a tiny piece of its telomere, like a photocopier that cuts through the margins of the original document,” Inserm describes. “To the point that eventually these protections wear off … then the cell stops dividing and functions normally. Researchers are talking about aging cells.” This phenomenon contributes to the aging of the organism. This is why the length of telomeres is such a strong predictor of biological age according to scientists.
10 minutes a day
In their work, researchers from the University of Leicester found that participants who took a brisk daily walk had longer telomeres. at the same age. According to their estimates, “a brisk walking life could make it possible to be as young as 16 – biologically speaking – into your forties.” So walking rejuvenates! And there’s no need to walk for hours, either: “Just 10 minutes a day is linked to a longer lifespan.” So on the way!
“Unapologetic pop culture trailblazer. Freelance troublemaker. Food guru. Alcohol fanatic. Gamer. Explorer. Thinker.”