Exercise may help stay younger by growing new blood vessels

Researchers at a Chinese medical institute published a review related to findings that physical activity stimulates two important processes: angiogenesis (the production of new blood vessels) and lymphangiogenesis (the creation of new lymphatic vessels).

Why It Matters

These functions are very important for keeping the immune system healthy, getting rid of waste, and giving tissues oxygen and nutrients. They often get worse as people get older.^[1] 

Exercise is a strong, natural signal that starts both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, which are processes that help keep our blood vessels healthy and our immune system working as we get older.

― says the lead researcher

For example, it increases the production of growth factors. This also helps the body repair faster, keeps the metabolism in balance, and improves the immune system. This may help keep important organs including the heart, muscles, brain, and skin healthy.

Better blood flow in the heart and blood vessels can lower the risk of heart disease and help all the organs work better. In skeletal muscle, better blood flow can help sustain strength and reduce muscular atrophy. Exercise-induced vascular growth in the brain may improve cognitive function and provides protection against neurodegenerative diseases.

What to Keep in Mind

The researchers indicate that there are still a lot of unanswered questions.

Exercise types, intensity levels, and durations which most effectively increase these lymphatic and vascular benefits are still unknown. This effects can vary from person to person, so careful testing will be important when combining exercise with medical treatments.

Regular exercise does much more than just burn calories; it may actually help your body renew itself from the inside out. However, more research is required to turn this insight into useful anti-aging therapies.