The human body is a wonderful machine where cells, nerves and organs work for each other. But for this machine to work properly we need to take care of it.
The sacrifices required are not always particularly expensive or demanding. This is demonstrated, for example, by a recent study by the Karolinska Institutet published in the American Journal or Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism.
In fact, the Institute’s researchers have shown how simply getting up from your chair every 30 minutes helps your metabolism and health in general. Specifically, this healthy 3-minute habit improves blood sugar and blood sugar fluctuations.
The research champion
Over a three-week period, researchers from the Karolinska Institutet closely followed 16 obese adults (10 women and 6 men, ages 44 to 53). These patients led very sedentary lifestyles, sometimes because they did work that forced them to sit for a long time.
During this experiment, for 10 hours a day (from 8.00 to 18.00), a fitness tracker reminded them to leave the chair every half hour to get moving for only three minutes. Remember that fitness tracker is a kind of bracelet-watch that athletes wear during their workouts.
During these 180 seconds, patients engaged in low or moderate intensity activities such as walking, climbing stairs, etc.
The results of the Swedish study
The research team compared the results of these active patients with those of another sample who did not take any breaks.
It has been seen that those who had respected the 3-minute break saw their blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels (Ldl) lowered. In addition, blood sugar fluctuation improved, meaning fewer changes in values were formed.
However, the researchers say, overall glucose tolerance showed no signs of improvement. This is because, they continue, the three-minute breaks probably weren’t enough for the purpose.
This healthy 3-minute habit improves blood sugar and blood sugar fluctuations
As common sense teaches, prevention is better than cure. For those who spend many hours sitting, for work or other reasons, it would then be perfect to create many small daily opportunities to interrupt a sedentary lifestyle.
Some examples:
- walk to the shop near the house to buy bread and / or other things;
- park the car a little further from the place of destination;
- take the stairs on foot to take out the garbage;
- small domestic cleaning;
- take a walk after a snack;
- etc.
Deepening
Running or walking, what is more suitable and makes you feel better?
(We remind you to carefully read the warnings regarding this article, which can be consulted WHO”)