Yoga is a practice that combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote overall health and well-being. It has various effects on both physical and mental health. It has been proven that yogic practices can help lower cholesterol levels and maintain good heart health. 

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How Yoga is Beneficial for Cholesterol Levels

In the midst of our busy lives and laziness we rarely find ourselves looking after our own health which leads us to major health risks and diseases such as body pain, diabetes, LDL cholesterol and many more. 

It is common knowledge that high cholesterol is harmful for the body but yet it is essential for the body’s normal functioning as Cholesterol is produced by your liver in the body and it plays a crucial role in performing important functions such as digestion and production of stress-relieving hormones like cortisol and sex hormones like testosterone (male hormones) and estrogen (female hormones). When the body has high levels of LDL cholesterol, it becomes an easy target for several health diseases and other cardiovascular issues, that is why it becomes imperative to control the high levels of cholesterol.

How could Yoga Help Lower LDL Cholesterol? 

Yoga is not something magical that can help with the issue right away but it is miraculous which can certainly resolve the issue. Yoga does not have a direct approach, it will not target that specific issue but it will affect it indirectly like we know that yoga improves sleep and that can act as a pathway for so many health benefits. 

If you have high cholesterol, one of the lifestyle changes you might consider to lower cholesterol levels is incorporating yoga in your daily routine along with other ways you work on to control the levels. Yoga can play a supportive role in managing cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular health.

Physical activity (Yoga) has plenty of health benefits that could affect your cholesterol levels:

• Stress Reduction- Chronic stress is known to negatively impact cholesterol levels. Yoga can help through breathing exercises, mindful sessions, and relaxation techniques. Lower levels of stress can result in better lipid profile; low LDL cholesterol and high HDL cholesterol. 
• Better Circulation- Yoga postures promote blood circulation which helps in maintaining cardiovascular health and improve overall metabolic function.
• Weight Management- Regular workout or yoga can help remove the excess fat and maintain a healthy weight which improves cholesterol level. Having extra weight can contribute to high cholesterol levels. 
• Physical Activity- Including yoga in your daily routine enhances your indulgence in activeness which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps to raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides

Yoga Postures for Normal Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a fat in the blood that the body needs to build cells and produce hormones, but having too much of it can be harmful. The level of total cholesterol in the body should be below 200 mg/dl (milligram per decilitre). The normal level of LDL should be less than 100 mg/dl and the normal level of HDL should be 60 mg/dl or higher.

Anything in excess is harmful, the high levels of cholesterol can cause cardiac complications. It is advised that you follow a healthy lifestyle that includes a nutritious food consumption and regular physical activities to keep cholesterol levels normal.

Yoga is an important factor that should be considered as it is beneficial to curb cholesterol naturally while not posing any harm on your body. Incorporating a variety of asanas into your practice can be beneficial. Here are some poses that are particularly good for promoting cardiovascular health and reducing stress:

• Kapalbhati Pranayam- It has the potential to treat high levels of cholesterol as it increases the metabolic rate of the body, thereby reducing the bad cholesterol. It also keeps obesity in check. 
• Surya Namaskar- It can be performed in the early morning. This asana involves a good deal of stretching of abdominal muscles which ensures a better functioning digestive system, thereby keeping bad cholesterol in control.
• Chakrasana- It improves the liver function which eliminates excess cholesterol. It increases circulation of blood to brain, heart and other vital organs which lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Sarvangasana- It is one of the most beneficial yoga asanas for lowering high cholesterol , harmful cholesterol of the body can be decreased with the use of this asana. It helps influence the functioning of all parts of your body. 
• Balasana- A restorative pose that helps to calm the mind and reduce stress levels. Reduced stress level leads to lower cholesterol.
• Ardh Matsyendrasana- This stimulates the liver and helps with indigestion, it massages the abdominal organs and can have a positive impact on cholesterol levels.
• Tadasana- This pose helps to improve posture and digestion, indirectly contributing to cholesterol control.
• Bhujangasana- It helps to strengthen the spine and may enhance blood flow which is important because with high cholesterol, you can end up with fatty deposits in the vessels. 
• Viparita Karni- This asana is associated with stress, it could be lessened with the use of this asana. Since stress is related to high cholesterol, this will help lower the LDL cholesterol.

 As you incorporate these asanas for cholesterol control, be sure to walk, run and cycle. Relying completely on yoga to lower cholesterol levels is not advisable, treat yoga as an additional approach to solving your cholesterol levels.

Aim to practice yoga regularly along with other healthy lifestyle choices, such as balanced diet, and stress management techniques. 

Conclusion

Yoga offers a holistic approach to managing cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health. By incorporating yoga into your routine, you can benefit from reduced stress, improved circulation, and enhanced physical activity for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. The physical postures (asanas) and breathing techniques in yoga not only promote better heart function but also contribute to overall well-being. It provides a valuable tool for fostering a healthier lifestyle. Regular practice can help manage stress, support weight management, and encourage a more balanced approach to health, all while enjoying the many other benefits that this ancient practice has to offer.

 READ MORE: AYURVEDIC WAY TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL