Brawn AND Brains...Exercise Gives Us The Total Package!

We all know that exercise helps us get the body we desire, but did you know it could also help us increase our brainpower too? The article entitled, "Your Brain on Exercise"  (http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/your-brain-on-exercise/?ref=health) explains how.
In the late 1990's, it was discovered that exercise increases neurogenesis, which is the production of new brain cells. How exercise affected the brain was a mystery until a recent study discovered that exercise countermands some of the numbing effects of a protein called BMP and may cause an increase in a brain protein aptly named, Noggin. The more Noggin in your brain, the less BMP activity exists and the more stem cell divisions and neurogenesis you experience. Exercise, through a complex interplay with Noggin and BMP, helps to ensure that neuronal stem cells stay lively and new brain cells are born. My favorite quote of this article is, "If ever exercise enthusiasts wanted a rationale for what they’re doing, this should be it." The article goes into detail about the studies performed to get these findings. It's a short article and an interesting read.

As we all know, exercise and good nutrition go hand-in-hand. If you're looking for some healthy options for summer salads for a bbq or just for you and your family to snack on, check out http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/summer-salads-as-the-main-attraction. This article was just published two days ago so I haven't had a chance to try any of these recipes myself yet.
If any of you give them a try, please leave a comment after this posting for the Body by Kelly community to read. We'd love to know what you think!