It’s runners’ favorite season again! There are many jogging enthusiasts in Taiwan. According to statistics, there were more than 100 regular 42K marathon events in the country in 2017, not including leisure competitions such as 3K and 6K. There will be more than 40 marathon events from November to December. Recently, a new study has made jogging enthusiasts happier. Scientists from the University of Ottawa published a new research result, confirming that engaging in aerobic exercise can make people smarter. Wait, don’t rush to put on your sneakers and rush out the door. IQ is certainly not made in a day, but why can aerobic exercise achieve such an effect?

According to Medical Daily and Runner's World, there were many theories that running can help improve brain function long before this study, including the following:

1. Helps brain cells grow and activate

We may not be able to replace our brains, but we can grow brain cells. The older we get, the slower the metabolic rate of cells in our body will be. When jogging, the blood vessels and nerve cells in the brain will be stimulated, slowing down their aging rate. In addition, it can even increase the number of neurons in the midbrain, which is responsible for vision and hearing, and the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and cognition.

2. Strengthen the brain's memory and cognitive blocks

A 2012 study on body shape and cognitive ability found that people of average build and good health (who have a habit of long-term exercise) have better cognitive abilities and multitasking than those who are overweight or in poor health. It is speculated that this is also related to the daily living habits of the subjects. People with good eating and exercise habits can maintain above-average performance in various aspects.

Studies have found that people who run for 40 minutes once a week for six months will have their hippocampus volume increased by about 1% compared to those who do not have this habit. Their memory and language skills will also improve. The secretion of proteins that promote the growth of nerve cells in the brain will increase, which will also promote the increase of nerve cells and strengthen the junctions between nerve cells.

3. Effectively reduce depression and negative emotions

People who are used to jogging may find that after running a long distance, their bodies gradually no longer feel stiff and exhausted like when they first started running. Instead, they are in a comfortable and stable state. They are no longer out of breath or tired, and are less likely to feel anxious. This change is called "runner's high." Scientists have analyzed that after long-term exercise, the body will secrete chemicals that make people calm and happy, such as endorphins, and morphine-like substances (endorphin) that relieve pain and relax muscles.

Therefore, based on the above conclusions, jogging not only helps to build a healthy body, but also has a positive effect on the psychological level by boosting spirits and keeping a happy mood!

To replenish positive energy for your brain, start with jogging!

After reading the above information, do you feel eager to go out and join the jogging ranks right away? It is recommended to arrange a small period of time for exercise three days a week. You can run easily by putting on running shoes and sportswear. It can also make you smarter. The CP value is super high! In terms of diet, aerobic exercises such as jogging consume more glycogen in the body, so dietary supplements should be mainly carbohydrates and supplemented with protein. For example, eating a banana, 100 grams of sweet potato, or a glass of unsweetened soy milk is enough!