Why Muscles Are the Most Underrated System in the Body
When people think about health, they often focus on the heart, brain, or gut. But muscles? They’re usually overlooked – unless we’re talking about looking fit.
Yet muscles are one of the body’s most essential organs. They contribute massively to metabolism, brain health, hormonal regulation, circulation, bone strength, and immunity. Skeletal muscle makes up around 40 % of total body weight, rising to nearly 50 % when including all muscle types.
Muscles and the Brain: Movement Fuels the Mind
Around 40 % of the cerebral cortex is dedicated to planning and executing movement. Without muscles, the brain’s intentions go nowhere, and inactivity can impair brain function.
Muscles as Metabolic & Immune Regulators
During contraction, muscles release myokines—proteins and peptides (like IL‑6, BDNF, irisin, and IL‑15). These molecules:
Improve insulin sensitivity
Lower inflammation
Enhance immunity
Aid tissue repair
Support neuroplasticity
Muscle loss is linked to metabolic disease, cognitive decline, and weakened immunity
Circulation and Detox: Capillaries + Lymph Flow
Muscles are wrapped in dense capillaries that deliver oxygen, nutrients, and hormones while removing waste. The soleus (calf) muscle, for example, also pumps lymph and venous blood, thereby supporting circulation and detoxification.
Bone Strength Depends on Muscle Force
Muscle contractions exert mechanical stress on bones, triggering remodeling and maintaining density. This process is critical for preventing osteoporosis and fractures
Muscle Loss = Aging’s Silent Crisis
From approximately age 30, we lose around 3-8% and sometimes 10% of our muscle mass per decade (sarcopenia), which leads to reduced strength, balance, metabolic slowdown, and immune decline. Fortunately, resistance training and adequate protein intake can help restore strength and functional capacity in older adults.
Strong Muscles = A Strong Life
Healthy muscle mass supports:
Joint protection and pain relief
Cognitive function and emotional resilience
Blood sugar and hormone regulation
Faster recovery from illness
Greater confidence and vitality in daily life
In Summary
Muscles are not just for movement – they’re central to whole-body health. They impact:
Brain function
Circulation and detox
Hormonal balance
Bone integrity
Metabolism
Immunity
They are a foundational investment in long-term health.
So if you’re tempted to skip that strength session, remember:
You’re not just working out.
You’re training your future.
See reaserches here:
Mechanisms by Which Skeletal Muscle Myokines Ameliorate Insulin Resistance