Research from the Mayo Clinic reveals that some Olympic sports can help boost brain performance . Specifically, the researchers highlight the benefits of running and swimming , two aerobic exercises that by increasing the pumping of the heart reduce the risk of dementia and improve mood . Plus, swimming has myriad benefits for your joints. Soccer, handball, basketball, cycling, hockey and tennis complete the list.
As for other less "intense" sports, scientists highlight ping-pong or table tennis, badminton , fencing and taekwondo . All of them, in addition to making the participants move with an aerobic activity, require concentration, eye and hand coordination and precision. Rowing is also part of the Olympic sports that help keep our thinking organs healthy. ? 30 minutes of aerobic activity a day, five times a week, is enough to reduce the cognitive decline associated with aging ?, says neurologist Rodolfo Savica, who recalls that it is important to maintain minimum levels of physical activity throughout life.
