There are many different types of Yoga. The word “Yoga,” in Sanskrit, means “Union” or “Oneness with the Divine.” There are Yoga practices of the mind and those of the body. The physical practices, known as “Hatha” (Body) Yoga, are the kind we see people doing in all the teaching videos and Yoga studios. With literally hundreds of styles, the practice is designed to promote health and fitness, longevity, mental clarity, and to prepare the body for meditation and eventually advanced meditation practices. This article shall focus on achieving an idea of Yoga Explained for the rest of us.

One need not necessarily delve into the meditation practices or the religion associated with the advanced meditations and chants in order to practice this practical exercise for physical health, mental clarity, and longevity. Anyone gets to do Yoga, so there is no requirement to convert to Hinduism. In fact, most Yoga instructors and systems of practice have separated the religious aspects from the physical practice so all creeds may receive the benefits.

Yoga is a practical, comprehensive style of exercise which combines stretching with strength training and cardiovascular intensity. The stretching and lengthening of muscles result from the different poses and depths of the poses, while the resistance and strength training manifests counter resistance to one’s own body weight and movement. It is actually quite an intense workout, contrary to popular belief among those who have never even tried it out.

The world of Yoga practices is indeed a confusing one thanks to the media and the sheer number of different studios, videos, books, and retreats available. Which kind of Yoga is the right one? Which one is right for you? Because one friend told you that Ashtanga Yoga was the best, but your best friend told you the only real Yoga is Iyengar Yoga. All of this simply leads to confusion and misunderstanding when the goal is Union, not confusion.

Learning straight from a book or from YouTube or a video is not the best approach for the beginner seeking Yoga Explained in the proper manner. It is better to learn proper form and style from qualified, professional instruction as you venture into what will become a life-long practice. The solution is to find a reputable Yoga teacher at a good studio and start with what are simply known as beginners’ classes. This first step is vital to develop a strong foundation for more advanced practices.

By starting with basic Hatha Yoga instruction, you eventually develop a solid routine which you remember and can do anywhere. Then you can move on to more intense Yoga, such as Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga, both of which emphasize continuous transitions and more cardiovascular exercise with the focus on developing total body strength and mental focus.

There is also the system of Iyengar Yoga, which eventually moves into some of the most advanced postures, but starts with a clear beginner’s practice and you gradually progress. This was the most popular style in the 1960’s and 70’s because it was the first style brought to the West. After you learn the basics, begin to choose the style with which you find the best connection with. You can also use home based programs that can guide you through the step by step process of going from beginner to advanced yogi.

While weight loss has obvious physical benefits, it also has several other health and psychological benefits. This article has highlighted some benefits that come with shedding off those extra calories.

a) Weight loss reduces the risk of having the obesity-related diseases and conditions like;

• Cardiovascular diseases and conditions. The chances of being predisposed to heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and coronary artery disease are very minimal with weight loss.

• Weight loss also reduces the risk of suffering from high blood pressure. With weight loss, your blood sugar stays at the right levels.

• Type 2 diabetes. This condition often occurs when the body becomes unable to produce enough insulin. Being overweight is a risk factor for this condition. Weight loss, therefore, comes in handy.

b) Weight loss reduces cholesterol levels, keeping your heart safe.

Being overweight has been known to cause the liver to produce excessive low-density lipoprotein, LDL (also referred to as bad cholesterol’). LDL is sticky and can accumulate in your blood vessels’ walls which leads to the narrowing of arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. This condition is linked to heart attacks and strokes.

With weight loss, the amount of LDL produced is significantly reduced, and ultimately, your heart stays healthy. Research done by the Royal Adelaide Hospital showed that losing weight leads to up 10 percent reduction of the bad cholesterol’ levels.

c) Results in healthy and pain-free joints.

When you are overweight, the load on your weight-bearing joints like hips and knees increases significantly. This fact causes a joint disorder called Osteoarthritis. This disease causes your cartilage and the bones to wear away resulting in swollen and tender joints, and it can even lead to pain when walking.

Studies have indicated that losing even 5 percent of body weight substantially decreases the weight that is exerted on the knees, lower back and hips. It reduces pain and such conditions as Osteoarthritis.

d) Leads to better hormonal balance.

According to Isabel Smith, founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition and a registered dietitian, ridding your body of the excess calories makes your hormones to steady resulting in further endurance to physical activities related to weight loss. With weight loss, your thyroid glands easily release the necessary hormones that help in proper metabolism.

e) Psychological benefits.

Several studies have proven the fact that weight loss often tends to improve the quality of life by, for instance;

• Increasing your self-esteem
• Lowering the rates of depression
• Giving you better moods as a result of the physical activities involves in weight loss.
• Improved memory, among others

f) Losing weight results in improved sleep.

Weight loss will reduce fatty deposits in the back of your throat which would otherwise lead to the life-threatening a condition called sleep apnea. This is a condition in which breathing can become obstructed altogether.

The sense of sight enables us to see and cherish the world. It is among the closely treasured senses of the body. This being the case, nothing is taken for granted which can improve eyesight. And this leads us to look at good foods for eye health. It is uncommon to hear and read material, such as yoga burn monthly, that keenly analyses nutrition for eye health. Nutrition for the eyes is underrated as organs like the skin will get much nutritional advice. Eyes just like the skin and hair require nutrients to keep them in good condition and shape. There are foods that can boost your eye health and improve it further. There has been a misconception that only carrots have a prominent value to the eyes as pertains food and nutrients. Nutrients like Vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, Vitamin E and Zinc all play a key role in the maintenance of good eyesight.

So apart from carrots, Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It helps to protect the eyes from dryness, cataracts and macular degeneration for the elderly. Fishes like salmon, mackerel and tuna would be great. Fish Oils and Flaxseed oil are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and control dry eye syndrome.

Antioxidants such as Zeaxanthin and lutein help to protect the eyes from damage caused by sunlight and smoke. They incorporate themselves into the retina and lens and absorb damaging elements. They stem anything that would cause cataracts. Foods that contain these powerful antioxidants are kales, broccoli, spinach, peas and avocado. Eggs contain lutein and Vitamin A which prevents night blindness and enhances functioning of the eyes.

Whole grains, nuts and seeds limit the causes of age-related macular degeneration and promote proper eye functions. The nutrients found in whole grains such as Vitamin E and zinc keeps eye tissues strong and healthy. Wheat germ oil and sunflower seeds can be added to a salad and provide a big boost to eye health. You will most likely benefit if you go slow on processed carbohydrates and increase your consumption of brown rice, whole-wheat bread and whole oats to give your eyes a boost. Nuts contain omega 3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. Talk of walnuts, peanuts and almonds.

Vitamin C prevents cataracts. It is a key antioxidant that should make up your diet. It is contained in citrus fruits lie lemons, grapefruits, oranges, strawberries and papaya. Have you ever thought what gives Vitamin C stalwarts such as tomatoes, carrots, watermelons, pumpkins and strawberries their color? They are compounds called carotenoids. This is responsible for the red, yellow and orange colors that these fruits and vegetables adopt. Carotenoids are believed to prevent various eye diseases.

Legumes such as lentils and black-eyed peas are rich in bioflavonoids which protect the retina and limit the chances of detachment. Lean beef in your diet will contribute tin zinc which facilitates the absorption of Vitamin A and stems the causes of age-related eye ailments.

The nutritional scope that promotes eye care and health is far much wider than the oft-quoted carrots. So you can diversify your diet. These foods in isolation and in complementing each other to take good care of your eyes and prevent damage and disease.