Natural "Brain Drugs" Turned Us Into Endurance Athletes

Ever wonder why us humans (well some of us at least) love to go for long runs and do other forms of endurance exercise? Most animals don't share that trait, so what sets us apart? New research has found that the natural brain drugs responsible for the "runner's high" effect -- called endocanabinoids and endorphins -- caused us to evolve into biped distance runners.

Very intesting stuff here: Runner's High Motivated the Evolution of Exercise, Research Suggests

Exercise & Caffeine Both Do Good Things to Muscle DNA

Here's some good news for coffee lovers, energy drink junkies, and exercise fanatics: caffeine and exercise seem to affect muscle DNA in similar ways. Researchers from the University of Barcelona have found that exercising for even just a few minutes causes rapid beneficial changes to muscle DNA. The incredible thing is that consuming caffeine appears to cause similar changes!

This is great news for those of us who like a little pick-me-up energy booster before our HIIT cardio sessions. The study focus on people who didn't workout regularly but experts believe the positive effects are seen in more fit people as well.

The bottom line: We already know caffeine has some big benefits for athletes and people who exercise regularly. So why not do both -- get in some intense exercise and drink some delicious caffeine -- almost every day?? :)

 Read more: Exercise and Caffeine Change Your DNA in the Same Way, Study Suggests