Running may have done good for your heart, but are you aware of its benefits for your brain? There are areas of the brain that help resist craving. New science reveals that aerobic exercises, like running, increase blood flow to this a key area of the brain that may give you extra motivation to lace up your trainers.
Key Takeaways:
- Past research has suggested that running can enhance the function of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC)—a part of the brain that is responsible for short-term memory and executive processes such as thought and action.
- In a new study published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, researchers wanted to see what happened if they did the opposite, and reduced the function of the DLPFC.
- Previous studies have suggested that short bursts of aerobic exercise (running included!) increases blood and oxygen flow to this part of the brain, as well as self-control in folks ages six through 35. In other words, exercise can help you crush those pesky cravings.
“In other words, exercise can help you crush those pesky cravings”
http://www.health.com/fitness/the-surprising-way-running-affects-your-brain-and-appetite
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