Physical exercise isn't just good for your body...it's good for your brain, too!

If you think sitting in front of the TV or computer is going to make you smarter, think again! 

Scientific studies have proven time and time again that physical exercise helps you build a brain that resists shrinkage with age, as well as increases your cognitive abilities.  Exercise encourages your brain to function at it's optimum capacity by causing neurons (your nerve cells) to multiply and strengthen their connections with other neurons. This also helps to protect them from damage. 

Physical activity provides protective effects to your brain by producing nerve-protecting compounds and increasing blood flow to your brain. Activity also improves the development of new neurons as well as the survival of older ones.

It has also been found that regular physical exercise can alter the way damaging proteins reside inside your brain, such as in Alzheimer's disease, slowing the development of the disease. Animal studies have shown that, in mice who exercised, significantly fewer damaging plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease were found. 

I can hear you now: "Is it just exercise? Or diet too?"

Diet is another factor that cannot be overlooked when it comes to your brain functions. Eating whole foods is best for supporting optimum mental and physical health. Avoiding sugars (especially fructose) and grains can assist in normalizing your body's insulin levels. This is important, as these sugars put your body into a state of chronic inflammation that is known to disrupt your immune function and can cause deleterious effects to your brain. Sugar's also suppress one specific brain factor (called BDNF: brain derived neurotrophic factor), which is crucial for proper memory and seems to be involved in depression as well. 

So, get off that couch, eat well-balanced, low-sugar meals, and build a better brain for life!