Asystematic review and meta-analysis ofrandomised controlled trials has concluded thatthe popular mind-body practice of yoga can be apotential therapy for cardiovascular disease andmetabolic syndrome.Out of 1,404 records, 37 randomised controlled trialswere included in the systematic review and 32 in themeta-analysis.Compared to non-exercise participants, yoga showedsignificant improvement for body mass index, systolicblood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, andhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol.Significant changes were seen in body weight, diastolicblood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides and heartrate but not fasting blood glucose.”This review helps strengthen the evidence base foryoga as a potentially effective therapy for suchconditions. The results support earlier reviews on thepositive benefits of yoga for cardiovascular diseaseprevention,” the authors noted.However, no significant difference was found betweenyoga and exercise.One study found an impact on smoking abstinence.The team concluded that there is promising evidence ofyoga on improving cardio-metabolic health.