Running may not be answer to all your troubles but it can sure do a lot of good to your physical, mental and emotional health and may even help in disease prevention. Running can benefit you in many ways so read on to know how.

You'll burn a lot of calories. Running will help you burn a lot of calories and maintain your ideal body weight.

You'll keep your blood cholesterol, sugar and pressure in check. Exercise is one of the best ways to naturally reduce your blood pressure keep high cholesterol and blood sugar in check.

You'll lessen your risk of a heart attack. Running will strengthen your heart and ensure the efficient flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body, which helps decrease your risk of a heart attack.

You’ll keep your bones strong. Running and other weight-bearing exercises strengthen your muscles and increase bone density, which can fend off osteoporosis.

You’ll boost your energy levels. Running is a great way to boost your energy and maintain improved energy levels during the day.

You’ll boost your self-esteem and confidence levels. Running requires a lot of motivation and discipline. Setting and achieving a goal of running frequently will increase your confidence and self-esteem. This is especially true if you set a specific goal, such as running a marathon and accomplish it.

 You can broaden your horizon. Running is a great way to break away from the daily grind. It gives people the opportunity to explore areas of their own community and give them time for thought!

You can support a cause. Many marathons and runs benefit charities and causes such as health awareness, social causes or for natural disasters. Running is a great way to contribute something in your own to a higher cause.

You can meet and network with other runners. As part of running groups or clubs or at marathons, you'll have plenty of opportunities to meet and get to know other runners.

*Inputs: Dr Gautam Shetty, Arthritis Care and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Asian Heart Institute, Mumbai