Dr. Anupam Zutshi

Some of the advantages of exercising regularly are known to all and these include weight loss and better blood circulation. However, the benefits of exercise aren’t just limited to the obvious. A few other not so obvious as well as a few surprising reasons are mentioned as follows.

1. Corrects your posture: Having a good posture is much more than just aesthetics. A good or bad posture determines your overall health in many ways. Having bad posture may result in localized problems, such as spinal deformities and vertigo among others and may also lead to muscles loss over a prolonged period. Exercising helps in improving your posture by strengthening bones and muscles in your back as well as the spine.

2. Improves memory: One of the not so obvious benefits of exercising is that it improves your memory. The connection may not seem so obvious, but exercising also improves blood circulation and supply of oxygen to all the body parts including the brain, which results in better memory.

3. Helps maintain and improve the immune system: The immune system within your body helps fight all the intruders and toxins that may cause an infection or illness. Exercising not only helps to maintain it, but boost it as well. As a result, you will fall sick less often and your immunity will stay strong even as you age.

4. Ensures your bones remain strong: Bone loss and other related disorders are a fact of life and become more pronounced as you age. However, exercising can curb the rate of decay and help in making your bones stronger. It is important to know that bone strengthening exercises are not the same for all ages and they need to be adapted as per the requirement.

5. Helps you have better sex: Exercising will help improve your blood circulation, muscle mass, mood and will keep you active. The endocrine glands are forced to work harder to produce hormones to maintain muscle mass and this also contributes to better sexual functioning. Exercising will help keep your sex drive high and help you have better sex by keeping you fit.

6. Ensures better sleep: Many of the sleep related disorders caused in the body are due to inactivity and lack of physical exertion. Once you start exercising, the physical exertion will help you get to sleep and also regulate your circadian rhythm or daily sleep and wake cycles.

7. Reduces stress and anxiety: Exercising releases endorphins which help improve your mood and help in reducing stress and anxiety. This in turn can help reduce hypertension and blood pressure, thus helping in controlling other related disorders.

8. Builds confidence: Exercising will improve your overall appearance and thus, help you have more confidence due to a better body image. However, it also helps by making you feel accomplished as you incrementally push your physical limits while exercising. This will spill over into every aspect of your life and help you be successful or deal with failure better. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.

There are many benefits to eating omega-3 rich foods, including a healthier brain and heart and a lowered rate of anxiety,etc.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered essential fatty acids. They are necessary for human health, but the body can't make them. You have to get them through food. 

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, flax seeds, chai seeds, walnuts, olive oil, canola oil etc. 

Benefits of eating omega-3 rich food sources:       

• Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent cardiovascular problems.Omega-3 have long been linked to better heart health.       
• Omega-3 Can Fight Depression and Anxiety.       
• An omega-3 fatty acid called DHA is a major structural component of the retina of the eye. It may help prevent macular degeneration,which can cause vision impairment and blindness.       
• Getting enough omega-3 during pregnancy and early life is crucial for the development of the child.Deficiency is linked to low intelligence, poor eyesight and an increased risk of several health problems.     
• Omega-3s can reduce chronic inflammation, which can contribute to heart disease, cancer and various other diseases.      
• Omega-3 fatty acids can help fight several autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis,Crohn's disease and psoriasis.       
• Omega-3 intake has been associated with a lower risk of asthma in both children and young adults.     
• Omega-3 can improve bone strength and joint health. This may lead to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and arthritis.
• Including Omega-3 food in diet helps to improve the length and quality of sleep.
• Omega-3 can help keep skin cells healthy, preventing premature aging and more. They may also help protect the skin from sun damage,etc.

Aloe vera-also called ghrita kumari in hindi and sothu kathali in Tamil, the plant in various forms has been widely propagated as a healthful ingredient.

It has been found to contain about 75 constituents including vitamins, minerals.Enzymes,amino acids, lignin(anti-cancer)& saponins.

Benefits-

1. Treats digestive issues- laxative, ulcer healer, helpful in functional bowel disorder.

2. Anti-inflammatory-decolorized aloe used, especially in foot care. The gel reduces UV induced erythema. A hormone called gibberellin is found to fight inflammation in diabetic patient. Also helpful in joint pain.

3. Promotes heart health- reduces bad cholesterol & blood sugar in diabetic patients.

4. Detoxifies the body.

5. Aids in weight loss-can prevent diet-induced weight gain by stimulating energy expenditure  & reducing accumulation of body fat.

6. Supports immune system-immune system catalyser. Stimulates cellular & humoral immunity.

7. Controls blood sugar level - frequently used as an adjunct in diabetics.

8. Promotes alkalinity-balances body ph. More likelihood of diseases in acidic ph.

9. Hydrates the body- the juice is very much hydrating including skin.

10. Improves oral health - efficient mouthwash. Reduces plaques & gingivitis.

11. Improves skin health in acne, stretch marks   7 wound healing.

12. Treats heartburn -useful acid reflux,  ulcer healing

13. Promotes hair health I dandruff, dry hair.

Flax seeds

Top ten health benefits-

1. Loaded with nutrients.

2. High in omega 3 fatty acids.

3. Rich source of lignin which may reduce cancer risks.

4. Rich in dietary fibers.

5. Improves cholesterol level.

6. Contain high-quality protein.