Olympic sports and health benefits: Five reasons why you should play more!

With the spirited woman wrestler Sakshi Malik winning bronze at the ongoing Rio Olympic, ending India's painful wait for a medal, and shuttler PV Sindhu assuring another one for the country by making through the badminton final, we bring you some health benefits of sports and physical activity.

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Turns out playing sports is more than just fun, it has immense health benefits – both physically and mentally.

Playing sports also brings positive energy, discipline, and helps in building self-esteem and mutual respect. Everyone – older generations and young people - should make sports as part of their lifestyles. Kids should be encouraged for participation in sports at school or social events.

With the spirited woman wrestler Sakshi Malik winning bronze at the ongoing Rio Olympic, ending India's painful wait for a medal, and shuttler PV Sindhu assuring another one for the country by making through the badminton final, we bring you some health benefits of sports and other forms of physical activity.

Heart health

Being physically active decreases your risk of heart disease as it lowers your blood pressure and increases good HDL cholesterol. For instance, sports like tennis, which improves aerobic fitness by burring fat, supports your cardiovascular health.

Weight loss

Playing sports is a healthy way to maintain weight. Individual sports, such as running, cycling, and weightlifting are known to be useful in burning calories.

Diabetes

Physical activity and excercise are important for everyone, including children. Playing sports can help the insulin to perform in a better way and thus it is beneficial for diabetics. It also reduces the risk of high blood pressure and obesity.

Hypertension

Playing sports or being physically active can help prevent hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, which increases your risk of stroke or heart disease. Sports can keep your heart and blood vessels healthy, and thus lowers your chances of developing hypertension.

Sleep

Sports and exercise produce a variety of physical effects, including improving the quality of sleep. It boosts vitality and metabolism, relaxes the body and mind. Make sure that you do not engage in sports too late in the evening as it can leave you too energises to sleep.