The regular practice of Yoga can prevent the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, and is useful for the maintenance of good health parameters, according to a new study.

An open-label single-arm clinical study by the Post-graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India, was initiated to determine the potential of Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) as a Preventive Intervention for Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) and Associated Comorbidities.

The results showed the CYP enhanced the key metabolic and physiological processes in the intervention group. A month of regular Yoga practices increased good lipids (HDL—High-Density Lipoprotein) and reduced bad ones (LDL) in the participants, the research, published in the latest issue of the journal, Frontiers in Public Health, concluded.

Earlier, the 374 participants practiced Yoga in consultation with experts for 30 consecutive days with a single session in the morning between 6 am and 7 am. They had also been provided training before the start of the yoga camp. The study participants were instructed for overnight fasting with blood drawn at baseline and after 30 days. Serum was analysed for lipid profiles and fasting glucose.

The results showed that a month of Yoga practice increased the HDL levels and reduced the LDL levels in first-time yoga practitioners. Also, the researchers concluded that one can derive maximum benefits from yogic practices at 35 when most of the metabolic alteration occurs in the body.

The “positive” outcomes highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of yoga on the primary prevention of CVD, according to the study authors. They pointed out that the length of the study was shorter and whether CYP holds any potential effect in the treatment of hyperlipidemia can only be confirmed by a randomized control study.

CYP is a standardized yoga protocol developed by the Ministry of AYUSH, and includes components of asana, pranayama, and stationary meditation.