Practising yoga has the potential to reduce risk factors of cardiovascular disease, according to a study.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, found that risk factors for cardiovascular disease improved more in those doing yoga than in those doing no exercise.
Results, from the study of 2,768 people, also indicated that yoga had an effect on these risks comparable to aerobic exercise.
Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said:
“Any physical activity that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease developing should be encouraged, and the benefits of yoga on emotional health are well established.
“This study’s findings are promising, showing some improvement in blood pressure, cholesterol and weight, which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
“The benefits could be due to working the muscles and breathing, which can bring more oxygen into the body, leading to lower blood pressure.
“A larger study is recommended though to assess the effects of yoga more fully.”
Do you find yoga beneficial to you in mind and body? Ed.
