The Best Type Of Workout For Your Brain

It goes without saying that exercise improves brain function through a number of factors including stimulating angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels), neurogenesis (creating of new neurons), synaptogensis (creating new synapses), and production of brain growth factors called neutrophins. One of the hallmark neutrophins that has been well studied is called Brain Derived Neutrophic Factor (BDNF).

BDNF is a protein that has been touted as “Miracle-Gro For The Brain” by Harvard Psychiatrist John J Ratey, MD. BDNF is known to not only stimulate the growth and differentiation of new neurons but has also been shown to support and preserve the survival of existing neurons and neuronal pathways. According to Dr Brant Cortright, an expert in neurogenesis, 60–70% of new neurons that are formed via neurogenesis get removed before they can become integrated into our neural network. BDNF plays a major role in helping preserve these newly forming neurons.

One study also showed BDNF can even help turn white fat into metabolically enhancing brown fat [1]. Just another reason to live The Neuro Lifestyle: you can also burn fat at the same time.

Much study and research is being dedicated to discovering methods that help promote neurogenesis and production of BDNF to not just stimulate growth of new neurons or brain cells but to also preserve them. At the forefront of the debate has been exercise and in particular, which type of exercise is best at promoting brain health.