Reciting prayers and yoga mantras is good for your heart -- but it's due to their effect on breathing rates rather than any religious or philosophical significance. That's the finding of a European study that was published in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers recorded the breathing rates in 23 healthy adults during normal talking, while they recited the Ave Maria (in Latin) and a yoga mantra, and during six minutes of controlled breathing. The found:

• Normal talking reduced the breathing rate irregularly.
• Breathing was more regular during controlled breathing and reciting the prayer and mantra.
• Reciting the prayer and mantra slowed breathing to about six breaths/minute, which had a "striking, powerful," favorable effect on the heart's rhythm.

It's already known that slow breathing enhances heart rate variability and other physiological measures that are good for the heart by synchronizing normal cardiovascular rhythms. By forcing a slow-down in breathing, recitation may be considered a health practice as well as a religious practice, according to the study authors.

Consider reciting something regularly to slow down your breathing - it's good for your heart.

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Sources:

• Bernardi L, Sleight P, Bandinelli G, et al. Effect of rosary prayer and yoga mantras on autonomic cardiovascular rhythms: comparative study. British Medical Journal, Dec. 22-29, 2001;323:1446-1449. (Abs.)
• British Medical Journal. Reciting Ave Maria linked to a healthy heart. Press release, Dec. 21, 2001.