​Can yoga control cholesterol? 5 yogas that are believed to do so​

Yoga can help regulate cholesterol by influencing body functions that affect cholesterol. Practicing regularly enhances blood flow and promotes metabolic activities that enable the body to break down fats better. Some postures stimulate the liver and digestive organs, which play a crucial role in breaking down cholesterol and removing excess lipids from the body. The relaxing effect of yoga reduces cortisol levels, which, when high, contribute to high cholesterol. Deep breathing and meditative practices further calm the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support cardiovascular health. All these effects collectively help the body manage and maintain balanced cholesterol levels in a natural way.

Sarvangasana, is a very powerful asana that helps in stimulating blood flow and, therefore, improves circulation. This inversion yoga pose regulates blood pressure, improves thyroid function, and increases metabolism, thus helping maintain healthy cholesterol levels. The thyroid gland is located in the neck, and this gland plays an important role in fat metabolism. So, keeping the thyroid balanced through Sarvangasana helps maintain healthier lipid levels. This asana will help in digestion and cleans the body, which eventually leads to fat and cholesterol breakdown.
Lie on your back, lift your legs, and support your lower back with your hands as you lift your hips off the ground. Straighten your legs toward the ceiling, keeping your body balanced on your shoulders. Hold for 15–30 seconds, then release slowly.

Paschimottanasana is an excellent asana in reducing stress, which has a connection to cholesterol imbalances, and improving digestion, preventing the accumulation of fats. The abdominal organs are exercised in this forward-bending pose, keeping the liver and kidneys in good health. Compression keeps the liver working in detoxifying processes by efficiently breaking down extra cholesterol and fats. It also stretches the spine and calms the mind, thereby indirectly helping to control cholesterol levels through reduction of elevated cholesterol resulting from stress.
Sit with your legs stretched out in front, keeping your back straight. Inhale, lift your arms, and as you exhale, bend forward, reaching for your toes or ankles. Hold for 30 seconds, breathing deeply, then release.

Ardha Matsyendrasana, or Half Spinal Twist, is a twisting asana where all the abdominal organs can be stimulated, such as the liver and pancreas. It helps in metabolism of cholesterol. The twisting can induce digestion and absorption of the nutrients while detoxifying by the removal of excess fats and toxins from the body. This asana tones up the spine, loosens the tension, and even decreases the abdominal fat by regulating the cholesterol levels that is improved by enhancing liver functions.
Sit with your legs extended, then bend your right knee, placing your foot on the outside of your left knee. Twist your torso to the right, placing your left elbow outside your right knee for support, and look over your right shoulder. Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.

Bhujangasana, also known as Cobra Pose, is highly beneficial for boosting energy, strengthening abdominal muscles, and improving blood circulation. This asana opens up the chest and stimulates the cardiovascular system, promoting better blood flow and reducing the risk of cholesterol build-up in arteries. Bhujangasana also stimulates the digestive system, which can help with metabolizing fats more efficiently. Additionally, by stretching and strengthening the muscles around the heart, Cobra Pose can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Lie on your stomach with your palms under your shoulders. Inhale and gently lift your chest, arching your back while keeping your elbows close to your body. Hold for 15–20 seconds, then exhale and lower yourself back down.

It is a standing pose that can help stimulate the metabolism of the body, especially for digestion and burning fats. Stretching sideways in Trikonasana stimulates the abdominal organs to work well for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This stretch strengthens the legs and core, improves balance, and circulates throughout the body to manage cholesterol. It reduces stress levels and accelerates the rate of metabolism thus maintaining cholesterol level.
Stand with your feet wide apart. Turn your right foot out 90 degrees and extend your arms at shoulder height. As you exhale, bend at the waist, reaching your right hand down toward your ankle while extending your left arm toward the ceiling. Hold for 20–30 seconds, then switch sides.