Meditation not only mellows your mind, it may also help your heart.
Preliminary results from a recent study demonstrate that meditation may decrease the risk of heart disease. In the study, participants with high blood pressure were randomly assigned to complete a meditation program or to participate in a health education group. The people who meditated for 20 minutes 2 times per day over the 7-month study period experienced a reduction in artery wall thickening.The participants in the health education group showed an increase in artery wall plaque buildup.
Researchers hypothesize that stress-relieving meditation triggered self-repair mechanisms that reversed the fatty buildup on artery walls.
RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge 8 to 16 years younger.