Even though yoga isn’t a heart-pounding activity, it may have heart health benefits, recent research suggests. Researchers in India have found that yoga and meditation can improve the health of some patients with metabolic syndrome. This is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, insulin intolerance, imbalance of blood fats and large waistlines. Metabolic syndrome may lead to diabetes and heart disease.

In the study, 46 patients received the standard medical care, while the other 55 participated in regular yoga, including standing postures, and daily meditation called Raja Yoga as well as receiving standard care. In the yoga group, blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides levels went down and HDL cholesterol (the good kind) levels went up significantly more than in the group that received standard care.

 Light activities such as yoga, gardening and casual walking can be a great part of any activity routine. It takes about 60 minutes of light activity to give the heart a good workout. The Heart and Stroke Foundation recommends that adults get 30 to 60 minutes of activity, most days of the week. Learn more about your physical activity needs.

Posted: Jan. 14, 2008

Source: Agrawal RP, Khatri D, Mathur KC, et al. Effects of yoga and meditation on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice. 2007 Dec;78(3):e9-10. Epub 2007 Jun 26.

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