The human body was originally designed for walking long distances – ancient man walked 10 to 16 kilometers per day in search of food and survival.
Modern man would think twice or thrice about driving 10 to 16 kilometers daily for food, let alone walking! But walking is still extremely relevant to modern man’s survival, albeit in terms of good health.
The Harvard Medical School quotes studies that have shown a host of health benefits of regular walking, amongst them a few lesser known benefits:
- Walking reduces the effect of obesity promoting genes. A study of 32 obesity promoting genes amongst 12 000 people has shown that participants who walked briskly for an hour per day had a 50% reduction in the effect of those genes.
- Walking reduces the cravings of your sweet tooth. Even a 15 minute walk can curb the cravings and intake of chocolate and other sugary snacks.
- Walking reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. A study has shown that woman who walked seven or more hours per week had a 14% lower risk than women who walked less than three hours per week.
- Walking reduces pain in the joints. Studies have shown that walking reduces arthritis related pain and can even prevent arthritis for forming. Walking lubricates the joints and strengthens the muscles that support them.
- Walking boosts the body’s immune function. A study has shown that people who walked at least 20 minutes per day had 43% fewer sick days than people who exercised once a week or less.
The best part of a regular walking routine is that it is free!
Source:
“5 Surprising benefits of walking”, an extract from Walking for Health, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Published online on 22 September 2016.
HEALTH INSIGHT
MARCH 2017