Here is one more reason why you should put on that workout gear and exercise. To the already long list of benefits that can be availed from following a regular workout routine, a new study conducted by the researchers at McMaster University, Canada now adds another benefit. And this benefit may be had even if you exercise only moderately every other day of the week.
It seems that the body’s influential stem cells are urged, during an exercise session, to develop into a bone cell rather than a fat cell. (1)
In other words, the benefit also doubles up as the reason why people who work out have better bone density and are fitter instead of flabby or with low bone mass.
The study found that the body’s mesenchymal stem cells in particular had the maximum possibility to convert to bone rather than fat cells, depending on the path they follow.
Mesenchymal stem cells are multi-potent in nature and have the ability to differentiate into many cell types such as bone cells, cartilage cells or fat cells. (2)
The study which was conducted by the Department of Kinesiology of McMaster University and headed by associate professor Gianni Parise, PhD studied mice which had been on a treadmill routine. They found that the treadmill running type of aerobic exercises triggered their stem cells to convert to bone cells or osteoblasts rather than fat cells.
This was especially surprising because the mice were worked out less than an hour every other day of the week. In contrast, in sedentary mice, the study found that stem cells had a greater chance of being converted to a fat cell. (3)
According to lead researcher Parise, “The interesting thing was that a modest exercise program was able to significantly increase blood cells in the marrow and in circulation. What we're suggesting is that exercise is a potent stimulus -- enough of a stimulus to actually trigger a switch in these mesenchymal stem cells.” (4)
Another interesting observation from the study was that the make-up of the bone marrow cavity dictated the production of blood stem cells. They noticed that if the bone marrow cavity had more fat cells in them, then the blood stem cells became less productive, leading to lower activity levels or inactivity of the animal.
However, if the bone marrow had more bone cells in them, it would create an environment conducive for stem cells to produce blood. This means that it helped strengthen the immune system, allowed for more efficient uptake of oxygen and helped blood clot formation on wounds.
Professor Parise even went on to suggest that there is a foreseeable future when non-medicinal treatments for blood-related disorders may be prescribed. He extrapolated that in certain situations the beneficial impact that exercises have are almost comparable to drug intervention benefits.
SOURCES:
1. Exercise Boosts Health by Influencing Stem Cells to Become Bone, Not Fat, Researchers Find; Science Daily; September, 2011; Retrieved Jan. 25, 2012. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110901112531.htm
2. Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Wikipedia; August, 2011; Retrieved Jan. 25, 2012. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesenchymal_stem_cell
3. McMaster researchers find exercise boosts health by triggering stem cells to become bone, not fat.McMaster University – Science Career & Cooperative Education; September, 2011; Retrieved Jan. 25, 2012.
http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/html/opr/media/main/NewsReleases/McMasterresearchersfindexerciseboostshealthbytriggeringstemcellstobecomebonenotfat.htm
4. Stem Cells Influenced To Become Bone Rather Than Fat Through Physical Exercise; Stem Cell Digest; September, 2011; Retrieved Jan. 25, 2012. http://www.stemcelldigest.net/stemcell/2011/09/stem-cells-influenced-to-become-bone-rather-than-fat-through-physical-exercise.html
INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT MEDICAL ADVICE. ALL INFORMATION GIVEN IS TO BE CHECKED WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE IMPLEMENTING OR TAKING THEM AS STANDARD OR VERIFIED.
Mamta Singh is a published author of the books Migraines for the Informed Woman – Tips From A Sufferer: ISBN: 978-81-291-1517-1 (Publisher: Rupa & Co. URL: http://www.amazon.com/Migraines-Informed-Woman-Tips-Sufferer/dp/8129115174/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1298990756&sr=1-2), Mentor Your Mind – Tested Mantras For The Busy Woman: ISBN: 978-81-207-5973-2 (Publisher: Sterling Publishers; URL: http://www.amazon.com/Mentor-Your-Mind-Tested-Mantras/dp/8120759737/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327552429&sr=1-1) and the upcoming The Women’s Complete Fitness Guide (Publisher: Hay House).
She is also a seasoned business, creative and academic writer. She is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer & sports nutritionist through IFA, Florida USA. Mamta is an NCFE-certified Holistic Health Therapist SAC Dip U.K. She is the lead writer and holds Expert Author status in many well-received health, fitness and nutrition sites. She runs her own popular blogs on migraines in women and holistic health.
Mamta holds a double Master's Degree in Commerce and Business. She is a registered practitioner with the UN recognised Art of Living Foundation. Please visit www.mamtasingh.com
Reviewed January 26, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith