Walking is more than just good for your heart. Dr. Amy Shah, MD and nutrition specialist, highlights five powerful benefits of walking that extend beyond cardiovascular health. In a post dated April 13, she explained why walking should be a key part of a healthy lifestyle.
While walking is well-known for boosting cardiovascular fitness, Dr. Shah emphasizes its lesser-known effects on the brain, mood, and overall well-being. She stated, “Simple exercises like walking don’t require fancy equipment or expenses, yet they offer tremendous health advantages.”
Here are the five benefits walking offers:
Walking helps grow your brain. Although the brain grows during teenage years, for adults, certain activities like walking can stimulate brain growth. Research shows that walking 40 minutes, three times a week promotes brain development.
Walking improves your mood by increasing levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—neurotransmitters linked to emotional well-being.
It triggers the release of endorphins, which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, helping you feel good and block pain.
Walking reduces stress and boosts energy, supported by studies including one from 2013 cited by Dr. Shah.
Walking enhances neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to learn and adapt to new situations, improving mental flexibility.
Dr. Shah’s insights reinforce that walking is a simple, accessible exercise with wide-ranging health benefits for body and mind.