Scientists are continually discovering new benefits of cardiovascular workouts. Here are three benefits that do not get much attention.

A strengthened immune system

Some research suggests that moderate aerobic exercise can help ward off colds and other infections. For example, one study found that women who walked 45 minutes a day 5 days a week reported cold symptoms on only 5 days over a 4 month period. A comparison group of inactive women averaged 11 days of sickness during the same period.

These findings, however, apply only to moderate exercise. Repeated high intensity or extra long workouts can actually have the opposite effect, suppressing your immune system and making you more susceptible to infection. Studies have shown that runners who log more than 70 miles a week get more colds than the average person.

Less stress and depression

More than 150 studies confirm that exercise can combat stress. Exercise decreases muscle tension while increasing your heart rate. This combination makes you both relaxed and alert, so you can deal better with your problems. It feels a lot better to take out your frustrations on the leg press machine than on your spouse or co-workers. Some studies suggest that exercise can even reduce clinical depression.

A reduced risk of osteoporosis

Lifting weights can help prevent osteoporosis. However, aerobic exercise that you do on land - such as walking, jogging, and aerobic dance also can help prevent this bone disease.

These activities place stress or impact on your bones, and this impact keeps them strong. The concept of impact has gotten an evil reputation in recent years because of all the injuries from the sadistic high-impact aerobics craze in the 1980s. However, as long as you do not go overboard, impact is actually a good thing. Keep in mind that aerobic activities like cycling and swimming don't offer much help to your bones, although they have countless other benefits.