Regular aerobic exercise prevents age-related loss of endothelial function—that vital lining of your heart and blood vessels. Research also says aerobic exercise can restore damaged endothelium to healthy levels.

Consistency is the key to protecting the myocardium (heart muscle). Per work done by internationally hailed cardiovascular researcher Joseph W. Starnes, PhD, a single exercise session can stimulate your heart to increase synthesis of protective proteins that help guard your heart against a range of physical stresses.

Intensity is another vital factor to truly realize cardiac protection—60 minutes of moderate exercise can do much.

There are numerous forms of aerobic exercise. Perhaps among the best cardio ones are swimming, running, racketball, tennis, cycling, rowing, martial arts, calisthenics, stair-climbing, jumping rope, fencing and cross-country skiing.

Bonus benefits? Your whole body reaps the rewards: increased resting metabolism, improved energy levels, better sexual function, greater immune and lung function, improved nerve transmission and you looking, feeling younger.