This Italian evening ritual has great benefits for health
How evening walks benefit health (Illustrative photo: Freepik)
In Italy, people often take evening walks, which have significant health benefits. This simple habit offers numerous advantages, according to the HuffPost website.
Walk after a meal improves digestion
If you travel to Italy, especially to its less touristy areas and small villages, you'll notice a surprising amount of pedestrian activity after lunch or in the evening.
Despite the temptation to take a nap after a large meal, opting for a walk instead offers significant digestive benefits.
We all know that physical activity is good for your heart. A 2017 study revealed that walking 2.5 hours per week, or 21 minutes a day, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease by 30%.
Six months of regular walking can lower blood pressure in adults with hypertension who previously led a sedentary lifestyle.
When it comes to regulating blood sugar levels, the best time to walk is after a meal.
Walking benefits mental health
Scientists have proven that physical exercise reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. During physical activity, the body produces chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which make you feel good and can help stabilize your overall mood.
Many people report that walking helps them think through problems more effectively, as it seems to clear their minds.
Studies have shown that spending time outdoors and being surrounded by "green spaces" like parks, gardens, or even a backyard reduces stress levels as well as symptoms of depression and anxiety.
It can strengthen family relationships
A shared meal allows family members to meet frequently and connect.
Regular family dinners are associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders, tobacco use, and early teenage pregnancies.
The best way to enhance these family gatherings is by following them with a walk outdoors, offering even more benefits.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
