Detection of serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol high levels in monks practicing Samatha and Vipassana meditation

ConclusionMeditating monks had a higher HDL cholesterol, lowest total cholesterol: HDL ratio and the other parameters tested had mean levels closer to the lower limit of the normal range, indicating a possible protective effect of meditation on cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These results may be related to the duration of practicing Samatha and Vipassana meditation but require confirmation using appropriate clinical trial.
Source: European Journal of Integrative Medicine - Category: Complementary Medicine Source Type: research