When you consider physique composition and the danger of coronary heart illness, you will most likely soar to physique fats share as the primary teller. However, a current examine in Nature aimed to shed some gentle on what influences coronary heart well being in girls5: Surprisingly, physique weight and physique fats weren’t on the high of the listing. In truth, muscle mass might play a extra essential position.
The examine analyzed 146 girls between the ages of 16 and 58. Participants’ cardiorespiratory health was measured utilizing an train take a look at, and researchers additionally collected their physique fats share, fat-free mass index (a measure of fat-free tissue—like bone, muscle, and fluid), and imply arterial stress (i.e., blood stress within the arteries).
To sum up the outcomes: Researchers discovered that the quantity of fat-free mass (like muscle) you carry might play an even bigger position in coronary heart well being than physique fats or complete physique weight. They discovered that age performs an element as effectively, which is essential to name out, as girls are inclined to lose muscle mass as they age.
All of this to say, constructing muscle mass is a vital step in optimizing coronary heart well being. If you prioritize protein consumption and participate in muscle-building workout routines like resistance coaching, you will be off to an important begin.Â
If you need to know extra about this examine, take a look at our full explainer right here, and be at liberty to comply with Attia’s longevity-boosting exercise plan.