Cholesterol is a waxy lipid, produced by the liver and found in all cells of the body. It is very essential to do proper body functions. Cholesterol is usually considered as harmful for the body. But in reality cholesterol is needed for normal functioning and maintenance of the body as it builds membranes and membrane fluids. It also helps in the synthesis of Vitamin D and hormones like progesterone, estrogen and testosterone.
We know that saturated foods like oil, meat, egg yolks, butter, cream, whole milk, cheese and cakes cause cholesterol. Besides these stress, smoking, excess body weight, lack of exercise and sometimes due to heredity high cholesterol occurs and it causes high blood pressure, heart attack and other heart related diseases. Except medicines you can do some yoga for weight loss and yoga for healthy heart at home to stay fit and active. Here are 3 quick yoga exercises to lower the cholesterol and get healthy.
1. Kapal bhati pranayama (Skull shining breathing technique)
Kapal bhati pranayama enhances metabolic rate and causes weight loss. By this the abdominal organs get stimulated and digestive tract functions better.
Sit straight on the ground. Keep your back and neck straight. Keep your hands on the knees by opening the palms to the sky and take a deep breath.
This yoga is also known as “the shining forehead.” If you practice it regularly, your metabolic rate will be increased and by that your weight will be reduced and kept under control. It can also increase your digestion power.
Breathe out and pull your stomach towards your spine. Keep your right hand on the stomach and feel the contraction of your abdominal muscles. Don’t try to pull it more, but do it according to your comfort. Then relax yourself and your abdominal muscles. In one round do 20 pranayams and two to three rounds will be enough in one day.
2. Chakrasana (Wheel pose)
This yoga pose knead the abdominal organs and eases constipation. It also advances the liver functioning and so you get rid of too much fat and cholesterol.
Lie on your back on the floor. Bend your knees in such a way that the soles of your feet will be on the floor and near to your buttocks. Keep the feet at a hip-width apart and hands behind the shoulder by keeping the fingers towards your shoulders. Then balance your body on limbs and press your palm ad feet on the ground with lifting the body above the ground. Make your neck long and breathe comfortably.
Stay in this pose for 1 minute and then release your body by bending the legs and arms and slowly lower your body and come on the ground. At last sleep in Shavasana for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Shalabhasana (Locust pose)
The locust pose helps in burning the fat from the stomach, hips, waist and thighs. It also stimulates the abdominal organs and decreases constipation. Thus the cholesterol level comes down.
Lie down on the yoga mat on your stomach and keep your palms under the thighs. Touch your chin to the ground. Inhale and raise your left leg without bending it at the knee. Stay in this pose for twenty seconds. Exhale and bring your leg down. Similarly do it by your other leg. Repeat this process for five to six times. Then breathe in and raise your both the legs. Do this with both the legs for three to four times.
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