Final answer:
Physical activity has multiple mental health benefits such as improving cognitive functions, reducing stress, and enhancing self-esteem. It can also be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression and improves overall brain health. Other health benefits include improved cardiovascular fitness, better immune function, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mental benefits of physical activity include a range of effects on brain structure, function, and cognition. Exercise increases blood flow and oxygen availability to the brain, promotes the release of growth factors that contribute to the development of new neural cells and pathways, and elevates neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin, which enhances memory retention, information processing, and overall cognition. Not only does exercise help reduce stress and improve body image, leading to greater self-esteem, but it is also effective in mitigating the risks of anxiety associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
Physical exercise is beneficial for cardiovascular and muscular fitness, increasing bone density and strength, and assisting in both weight loss and maintenance. It plays a role in improving cognitive function and has been associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders like dementia. Regular aerobic exercise can also be as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants for treating mild-to-moderate depression due to its ability to increase natural euphoriants in the brain.
Other health benefits include better immune system function, improved sleep quality, and a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Additionally, exercise releases hormones called myokines from contracting muscles, which have tissue repair and anti-inflammatory effects, further contributing to the numerous health advantages of maintaining an active lifestyle.