Yoga vs. heart disease

Yoga is often suggested for people who want to improve flexibility or relieve stress, but new studies are showing that taking part in regular yoga exercises can also reduce many factors that contribute to heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and excess weight tha can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. When over 100 people with the syndrome practiced yoga during the study, their reduce waist circumference, blood triglycerides, and blood pressure, among other risk factors.

The theory is that yoga induces a "relaxation response" that calms the nervous system and reduces the level of stress hormones in the body.