Table of Contents

Chapter 4: Why Nutrition Matters

iii. Exercise

The Dietary Guidelines for America recommends exercising at least 30 minutes a day at least 3 days each week. At this rate, studies have shown small reductions in the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer as well as improvements in body weight, blood pressure, serum cholesterol, and glucose tolerance, each of which is a separate risk factor for heart disease.

But there are other reasons that exercise is important. Regular stretching exercises will help keep muscles limber and flexible, while resistance exercises and weight training will help maintain muscle strength and endurance, help to decrease your risk for developing osteoporosis, and increase bone strength and structure. Walking, jogging, playing tennis or golf, and even gardening can be effective forms of exercise—the key is to stay on the go and stay off the couch.