1. Keeps the body young by lowering the rate at which telomeres (sites at the end of chromosomes on all cells) erode, which means overall body wear and tear happens at a reduced speed.

2. Lowers blood pressure.

3. Increases heart and lung capacity and heart pumping power.

4. Makes skin look younger because of improved circulation.

5. Reduces length of time you experience hot flashes.

6. Cuts your odds of getting ill.

7. May raise HDL (good) cholesterol and improve other heart disease risk factors.

8. Normalizes fasting insulin levels (reducing risk of diabetes).

9. Sharpens your mind (lifelong exercise maintains the size of your hippocampus where your memory resides).

10. Improves your mood.

11. Helps control weight.

12. Improves digestion.