A few weeks ago, we published an article which showed a minimum of 4000 steps can lower the risk of early death and we have previously stated that 7500 steps is thought to be the optimal number of daily steps for maximum health benefits in return for the effort you put in.
Whilst the step count quotes differ, it is clear that walking has varying degrees of health benefits. This latest study suggests that somewhere around 2300 steps is the minimal amount to stimulate the heart and increase blood flow.
Why is Blood Flow Important for Health?
It is through the small details surfacing in various medical research that we are able to build the bigger picture. Blood flow is crucial for overall health and well-being which is why walking is linked to such a wide range of positive health outcomes.
Physical activity of any kind plays a fundamental role in delivering oxygen, nutrients, and essential substances to cells and tissues throughout the body. Because blood carries oxygen, a well-functioning cardiovascular system is clearly good for your health.
Moreover, oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells generate energy (ATP). Without a continuous and adequate supply of oxygen, cells can’t function optimally.
Blood also transports vital nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, to cells. These nutrients are necessary for cell growth, repair, and metabolic processes.
Waste products, including carbon dioxide and metabolic byproducts, are also the domain of blood flow. Efficient waste removal is crucial to prevent the buildup of toxic substances in the body together with stimulating immune response to defend against infections and diseases.
The brain also requires a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to function optimally. Even brief interruptions in blood flow to the brain can lead to cognitive impairment or damage.
The Importance of Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Issues with blood flow can have serious health consequences. Conditions like atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels due to plaque buildup), hypertension (high blood pressure), and blood clot formation can impair blood flow, leading to tissue damage and increasing the risk of cardiovascular events, stroke, and other health problems.
Maintaining good blood flow is essential for overall health, and lifestyle factors like regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and stress management can play a significant role in promoting healthy circulation.
Professor Maciej Banach, one of the authors from Lodz University involved in the latest study, emphasised that lifestyle choices play a significant part in maintaining and optimising health. He described diet and exercise as the “main hero of our analysis”.
Whilst there are many forms of physical activity that help to stimulate blood flow, walking is considered to be a favourable option because it has a low entry barrier and is accessible to almost everyone.
Walking is also an established act in the daily routine. Some people just need to learn to walk a little further than they ordinarily would. You can achieve this in a variety of ways such as walking when you’re on the phone, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking a little further away from the office.
Health experts also recommend scheduling regular walks three to five times a week. If you have a young family, you could make evening walks a regular practice which you can use for bonding and nurturing your children. This helps to provide them with more emotional stability and security which will serve them better as adults.
Because the sedentary lifestyles that many of us are leading are damaging to our mental and physical health, adopting healthy activities such as walking is a smart choice.
That’s why Sweatcoin has developed a walking app you can download to your smartphone. The app has a built-in pedometer that counts your steps and converts them to a digital currency you can use to purchase merchandise from over 300 retailers.
So now you can earn money for walking. The more you work, the more you earn.
