More than a stretch: How yoga can enhance heart health
Beyond the physical benefits, yoga promotes mindful body awareness, which encourages healthy lifestyle changes.
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
The review looked at dozens of different studies that explored the impact of yoga on obesity-related measures and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Over all, they show that yoga can decrease body mass index, waist circumference, and body fat percentage while also improving blood pressure and cholesterol values.
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About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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