We’ve all heard phrases like ‘finding your zen’ and ‘becoming a yogi,’ but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, what are the health benefits of yoga?
Well, trying yoga might be more beneficial than you first think. Studies have shown that practicing yoga just once a week can support mental wellbeing by reducing anxiety and lowering stress levels.(1)Yoga has also been linked to improvements in heart health.2
Want to know more? We’ve put together a guide to the health benefits of yoga, to help you find out why so many people are taking to the mat.
What are the Health Benefits of Yoga?
1. Reduces Stress
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Yoga promotes relaxation and if practiced regularly, can help to lower your levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.(3)Dedicating time to yoga and meditation techniques can ease tension in the mind and the body, helping you to feel more relaxed. The deep breathing associated with yoga is also helpful in reducing anxiety and promoting an atmosphere of calm.
2. Improves Flexibility
Flexibility improvements are one of the biggest benefits of practicing yoga. Focusing on poses including the plank can strengthen your core and improve your balance. In a similar way, stretching and strengthening your back and neck muscles can help to support your posture.
To support your exercise regime, try Myvitamins BCAA Tablets. They are a blend of three essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Protein can contribute to muscle growth and the maintenance of muscle mass.4
3. Helps with Sleep
If you struggle to drift off, yoga might be able to help. Sleep deprivation is often closely linked to anxiety and stress. Yoga decreases the body’s natural responses to stress and in turn lowers respiration and heart rate. This reduction in perceived stress helps the body to relax and this promotes healthy sleep.
The central nervous system has a large part to play in our sleep patterns. When we fall asleep, the hormone levels in our brain change and the central nervous system lets us become unconscious. Yoga can support this process by increasing the blood flow to the brain and stimulating the glands that release sleep hormones.5
In addition to your yoga routine, try our Beauty Sleep Capsules. They are expertly formulated with herbs and minerals including lemon balm and chamomile. These capsules also contain zinc to maintain the health of your hair, skin and nails.6
4. Supports your Joints
Regularly practicing gentle yoga can benefit joint function and reduce pain. In addition, using yoga to strengthen your muscles can help to take pressure off your joints, letting you enjoy greater flexibility in your joints over time.
Supplements can help to maintain the health of your joints further. As we age, our levels of collagen are reduced and this can make the cartilage in our joints thinner and easier to damage. Myvitamins Joint Effort Tablets are a blend of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, which can support the formation of collagen.7
5. Maintains Heart Health
High blood pressure can lead to heart problems including strokes and heart attacks. According to Harvard Medical School, yoga can help to restore ‘baroreceptor sensitivity’ in the body. This helps to maintain balances in blood pressure.8
Cod Liver Oil can help to support the health of your heart. Myvitamins Cod Liver Oil Softgels are a source of omega 3, which is rich in the fatty acids that can help to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.(9) Our softgels also contain vitamin D3 to protect your bones and muscles.10
So now you've seen the benefits, why not give yoga a try? You don’t need to be a meditation-pro or super flexible to master the basics. Adding yoga to your weekly routine can benefit your physical and mental health in more ways than you’d think. Click here to see the supplements that can support your yoga performance.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17544857/
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga#section9
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-benefits-of-yoga#section9
- Protein contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass.
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/six-benefits-yoga-severe-sleep-deprivation/
- Zinc, magnesium, and vitamin E contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, skin, and nails.
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of bones and cartilage.
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/yoga-benefits-beyond-the-mat
- Vitamin DHA and EPA contribute to the maintenance of normal blood pressure. This beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200 mg of DHA and EPA.
- Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth, and muscle function.
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