The practice of yoga has many proven benefits as a tool to control stress, improve memory or give us more energy in our day to day. Now, a new study carried out by a team of researchers from the Netherlands and the United States, have concluded that it also reduces risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The results of the study have been published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology .
To reach this conclusion, the scientists conducted a systematic review of a total of 37 randomized controlled trials involving 2,768 people . The aim was to provide a realistic estimate of the effectiveness of yoga compared to traditional exercises such as brisk walking or cycling, as well as no physical activity. The results showed that risk factors for cardiovascular disease improved more in people who practiced yoga than those who did not practice any subs or. Furthermore, the reduction in risk factors was exactly the same with yoga as with traditional physical activities or aerobic exercise .
Among these risk factors that were reduced with yoga were: body mass index (which decreased by 0.77 kg / m2), high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol (which increased by 3.20 mg / dl), low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol (which was reduced by 12.14 mg / dl) or systolic blood pressure (which dropped to 21 mm Hg). There was also a general reduction in weight : on average 2.32 kg less.
” This finding is significant for people who cannot or prefer not to perform traditional aerobic exercise or even those with pre-existing heart conditions, the elderly, or those with musculoskeletal or joint pain, because they could still achieve similar benefits in reducing risk.” the study authors emphasize.
