(HealthDay News) -- It's common knowledge that exercise helps you shed pounds. But it also can help your heart.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute says exercise:
- Boosts lung function and makes your heart stronger, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to be pumped throughout your body.
- Reduces the risk of plaque formation inside your arteries, which can lead to coronary heart disease and heart attack.
- Lowers blood pressure and blood fats, and helps regulate blood sugar.
- Helps reduce inflammation, control weight and boost healthy HDL cholesterol.
