Dr Michael Mosley shares simple activity that could boost your heart health
There’s countless scientific evidence that backs the benefits of a healthy diet and exercise for your heart.
However, Dr Michael Mosley has shared that you might be doing your weekly dose of physical activity all wrong.
Instead of paying hefty gym membership or purchasing exercise equipment for your home, the doctor recommended water-based activity that confers “remarkable health benefits”.
Speaking on his podcast Just One Thing, the health guru shared that swimming could not only benefit your body but also your heart.
Unlike land-based exercises, the popular practice seems to improve the elasticity of your arteries.
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Dr Mosley said: “It’s such a good all-over workout. When you are swimming vigorously, you’re using lots of different muscle groups and importantly you’re working against the weight of the water.
“[However], scientists think there’s something else that’s special about exercising in the water.”
To look at the science behind swimming, the doctor invited Professor Hirofumi Tanaka, from the University of Texas at Austin, who studies the health benefits of swimming, to the BBC Radio 4 podcast.
The professor explained that heart disease is not merely a disease of the heart but of blood vessels and arteries.
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Major cardiovascular problems usually stem from blockages in your arteries and blood vessels, leading to emergencies like heart attacks.
Worryingly, as you get older, your arteries get stiff which can cause damage. But this is where swimming could step in.
Professor Tanaka said: “After three months of a swimming exercise programme, swimming was highly effective in reducing stiffness.”
In contrast, walking wasn’t as effective, but it seems that the secret is water, rather than a specific movement.
The podcast guest added: “You can actually do cycling in the water as well as the land.
“When you do comparison studies, cycling in water is more beneficial in reducing vascular stiffness and improving overall health than cycling in the gym.”
Therefore, Professor Tanaka recommended taking the plunge and swimming three times a week. He said: “You can start out with a very short period – maybe 20 to 30 minutes would be sufficient.”
Remember, the key is to keep moving in the water, the expert added.
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