Most people believe that regular workouts are enough to stay healthy.
And while physical activity has undeniable benefits, new research reveals a surprising truth: one specific habit can undo much of that hard work.
In a study by Vanderbilt University’s Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, researchers tracked men’s and women’s activity levels over seven years.
They also monitored changes in brain volume. The results were eye-opening.
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The silent threat to your brain
The most damaging factor wasn’t a lack of exercise – it was prolonged sitting.
According to the study, being sedentary for long periods leads to a noticeable decrease in brain size, even in those who exercise regularly.
So, even if you play tennis three times a week, your brain could still be suffering if you’re seated for long stretches throughout the day.
The research highlights how particularly vulnerable the brain’s memory centers are, especially those associated with Alzheimer’s risk.
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And for people with a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s, the effects were even worse.
Sitting too much amplified brain shrinkage, regardless of how active they were otherwise.
A simple fix
Luckily, there’s an easy way to fight back. It’s not about adding more intense workouts to your routine – it’s about breaking up your sitting time.
Standing up, walking around for a few minutes, or doing light stretches can make a big difference.
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Researchers emphasize that consistent movement throughout the day is essential for maintaining brain health. It’s not how hard you move, but how often.
This article is based on information from B.T. og News.vumc,org.
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