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Exercise will benefit
your body in many ways, including lowering levels of a C-reactive
protein (CRP) that is linked to inflammation.
High levels of
CRP in the body is associated with a higher than average risk
of cardiovascular disease, and has even been suggested as
a better indicator of possible heart attack than high cholesterol.
In a recent study
of 722 men, it was found that men who were physically fit
had lower levels of CRP, and therefore were at a lower risk
for heart disease and other cardiovascular problems than men
who were not in shape.
Physical fitness
was determined by the length of time each man could walk on
a treadmill of increasing incline. The longer the time, the
more fit the man was thought to be.
Among men who were
most fit, CRP levels tended to be the lowest and they appeared
to be 83 percent less likely to have elevated CRP levels than
the least fit men. Correspondingly, men who were the least
fit usually had the highest levels of CRP in their bodies.
Compared with the least fit group, men in the second-to-lowest
fitness group were less likely, by 57 percent, to have increased
CRP levels. The relationship remained even when factors such
as age and obesity were removed.
Researchers believe
that a similar relationship between CRP levels and exercise
is likely to be found in women, though they note that it could
be more complicated because of hormonal variations.
To increase fitness
levels, researchers recommended moderate physical activity,
such as walking, for a total of 30 minutes each day for five
days a week.
Arteriosclerosis,
Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology November 2002;22:1869-1876
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