Can the effects of a poor diet be compensated with exercise? – The National Is

Exercise is essential for the health of the body. As the WHO suggests, up to 5 million deaths a year could be prevented if the world’s population were more active. Recommendations are to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate- or vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week for all adults, including people living with chronic conditions or disabilities, and an average of 60 minutes per day for children and teenagers. The other pillar of health is food and many people wonder: can daily exercise – even more than recommended – compensate for a bad diet? The answer is no. And the studies prove it. For example, this research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, which concludes that high levels of physical activity do not counteract the detrimental effects of a poor diet in terms of the possibility of developing diseases. Regular physical activity and good eating habits go hand in hand when it comes to your long-term health and longevity. People exercising in the gym / Unsplash Diet and exercise These two factors are equally important when it comes to maintaining good health and there are synergies between them. Food is not only the fuel that our body needs to produce energy, it also contains all the basic components for cell renewal, which is essential to maintain the basic functions of the body in good condition. Exercise, meanwhile, keeps muscles and bones in optimal condition, preserves heart health, and balances hormonal function and mood. When physical activity and a healthy diet are combined, the risk of many chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer and cardiovascular disease, is greatly reduced. In addition, both are necessary for weight control, an essential aspect of health. In fact, obesity is associated with the onset of chronic diseases and increases the risk of mortality. Other ways in which physical activity and diet can improve health include regulation of inflammation, immune function, and muscle mass, which can extend your lifespan. It is important to specify what a good diet consists of. Around the world, the Mediterranean diet remains the established pattern for maintaining good health and low inflammation throughout life. It includes basic foods such as fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, whole grains, legumes, fish, shellfish, olive oil as the main fat and small amounts of meat, eggs and dairy. As stated in this study by the University of Barcelona, ​​the Mediterranean diet is linked to a significant reduction in cardiovascular diseases.