This exercise routine could intensify the growth and development of new brain cells

Here's a potential benefit to add to the long list of reasons for why we should always stay active: exercise could increase the number of neurons in the brain. Scientists in Finland report that when groups of rats were given strict exercise regimes, some of them developed new brain cells at a more rapid rate than their less active peers.

Researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla split their rats into three groups with three different exercise programmes: moderate running, weight-lifting, and high-intensity interval training.

This heightened rate of neurogenesis only occurred with certain types of exercise. The researchers found that moderate aerobic exercise produced new cells in the brain, while strength exercises didn't (despite giving the rats a more toned physique). If the same is found in humans, it looks like a daily jog can be better for your brain than a weight-lifting session.

The benefit of neurogenesis - or the growth and development of neurons in the brain - is that it helps memory and learning processes. This growth is most noticeable while we're still in the womb, but it continues into adulthood to a lesser extent as well. The opposite process, where brain cells are lost, is also a natural and expected one, but can ultimately lead to diseases such as Alzheimer's later in life.

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