Scientific studies have shown that Yoga induces a
 
feeling of well-being in healthy people, and can reverse
 
the clinical and biochemical changes associated with
 
metabolic syndrome, according to results of studies from
 
Sweden and India. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of
 
heart disease risk factors such as high blood pressure,
 
obesity and high blood sugar. Scientist from Medical
 
College in India evaluated the beneficial effects of
 
yoga and meditation in 101 adults with features of
 
metabolic syndrome. In the study, 55 adults received
 
three months of regular yoga, while the remaining
 
received standard care. Waist circumference, blood
 
pressure, blood sugar, and triglycerides were
 
significantly lower, and “good” HDL cholesterol
 
levels were higher in the yoga group as compared to
 
controls. What's more, at the end of the study period,
 
feelings of anxiety, stress and depression were also
 
significantly lower and levels of optimism significantly
 
higher in the yoga group compared to the control group.
 
Yoga induces a “relaxation response” associated with
 
reduced nervous system activity and a feeling of
 
well-being probably due to an increase in antioxidants
 
and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, the
 
scientists suggest. Yoga not only helps in prevention of
 
lifestyle diseases, but can also be a powerful adjunct
 
therapy when these diseases arise. We do not emphasize
 
this point enough in our Western health care.