Skeletal Muscle: The Key to Overall Health and Performance
Skeletal muscle plays a crucial role in human physiology, serving as the primary avenue for communication within the body. Research shows that skeletal muscle mass and quality are linked to various aspects of human health and performance such as sport performance, mortality, cardiovascular health, cognitive health, inflammation, and metabolic health. Furthermore, skeletal muscle is the primary site for metabolism in the body, responsible for regulating blood glucose and generating heat. Athletes are significantly more efficient at glucose disposal in their muscles. Therefore, regardless of the performance goal, whether it's related to sports, health, or appearance, skeletal muscle is central to achieving success.
Quality and Quantity of Muscle: Vital for Overall Health
Muscle quality directly impacts various aspects of health, including brain health, as low grip strength is linked to a significant portion of dementia cases. Similarly, muscle quantity plays a crucial role in longevity, with individuals in the bottom 20th percentile of muscle mass having double the risk of mortality compared to those in the top 20th percentile. While muscle functionality is crucial, muscle quantity also significantly affects overall health.
Luke's Note
.muscle Skeletal muscle is the largest organ. Not skin.