At Compass Fitness.com we recognize that cardiovascular exercise enhances heart health, assists with weight management and strengthens the muscular skeletal systems. We also recognize that exercise provides the tremendous benefit of endorphin production. At Compass Fitness.com, we believe in maximizing endorphin production through exercise so much that we say, “ get active and ENDORPHINIZE!” Endorphins are natural chemicals which send nervous system signals that reduce our perception of pain by interacting with the nervous system’s opiate receptors. They actually act similarly as morphine and codeine in the brain. The distinction between the narcotic medications and endorphins is that endorphins are naturally produced by the body and do not lead to negative dependency or addiction. Endorphins are also powerful stress reducers and immune system boosters.
Several studies have shown that endorphins production in the body has several sources in addition to endurance exercise. Meditation and yogic breathing have been found to be sources of endorphin production. Meditation and yoga are both great additions to a fitness program for the calming effects, improved flexibility and over all spiritual well being. There are also some known food sources of endorphins. One food source is hot peppers. The hotter the pepper the greater the source of endorphin production. The hotness of hot peppers is measured in Scoville heat units (Shu)-the higher the units the hotter-chili peppers contain 900-1500 Shu, jalapeno peppers 2500-6500 Shu, cayenne peppers 30,000-50,000 Shu and the hottest of the hot peppers-habanero peppers contain 200,000-300,000 Shu. Another very tempting, highly craved food which is a great source of endorphins is chocolate-so go ahead and indulge in dark chocolate-in addition to producing endorphins studies have shown that dark chocolate is a powerful antioxidant and can lower blood pressure. Of course indulge in moderation!
So, endorphins production is yet another great reason to get active and stay active. The endorphin production of exercise is a great way to manage stress levels while improving your cardiovascular health. So, “Get active and ENDORPHINIZE!”
