Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Are you tired of feeling stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed? Here comes ashwagandha, a traditional herb that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is an adaptogenic herb that can help your body adapt to stress, promote relaxation, and provide a bundle of other health benefits. But how does it provide benefits to you? To get your answer, you must read this blog until the end.
Ashwagandha and Its Origin:
The name of the plant, "ashwagandha", is a combination of two Sanskrit words ", ashva" (meaning horse) and "gandha" (meaning smell). So, it implies that you get the strength of the horse. This plant is native to India, North Africa, and the Middle East and has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote health and wellness. The roots and leaves of this plant contain incredible bioactive compounds with numerous health benefits, as mentioned further.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is best known for its apoptogenic properties, which help your body manage stress and anxiety. But this is one of many benefits this herb with diverse properties can offer you. The advantages of using this herb are numerous. Read on to learn more about those benefits.
1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One of the primary benefits of ashwagandha is its ability to help reduce stress and anxiety. The herb has been shown to lower cortisol levels, a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. High cortisol levels are linked to numerous health problems, including anxiety, depression, and weight gain. Ashwagandha can help lower cortisol levels, which can, in turn, reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
2. Boosts Immunity
Ashwagandha has immune-boosting properties that can help keep you healthy. This herb contains bioactive compounds that stimulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infections and diseases. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can help increase white blood cell counts, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases.
3. Improves Brain Function
Many people desire to improve brain function and cognitive abilities, and ashwagandha may be a natural supplement to achieve this goal. The herb contains compounds known as withanolides, which have been studied for their ability to stimulate the growth of nerve cells and protect existing brain cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Moreover, ashwagandha can help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety, which may negatively affect brain function. With all these benefits, ashwagandha is a promising natural way to support brain health and cognitive function.
4. Enhances Physical Performance
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve physical performance, making it a popular supplement among athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The herb helps increase your oxygen consumption and improve cardiovascular endurance, thereby boosting strength, stamina, and muscle mass, as well as reducing muscle damage and inflammation. So, whether you're a professional athlete or simply looking to improve your fitness routine, ashwagandha is what you need to take your physical performance to the next level and stay stress-free for longer.
5. Lowers Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels is essential for overall health and well-being. Fortunately, ashwagandha can help achieve this goal. Studies have found that ashwagandha can help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as "bad" cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha can also help improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, potentially benefiting diabetics and pre-diabetics.
How to Take Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is available in a variety of forms, including capsules, powders, and teas. In pharmaceutical stores, it is available as a herbal supplement. Nutrifactor's Nurilax is one of the best quality herbal supplements that contain a good amount of potent ashwagandha extract to give a boost to wellness.
Conclusion
Ashwagandha is a broad-spectrum herb that can provide versatile health benefits. It's a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety, boost immunity, improve brain function, enhance physical performance, and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. While it's generally safe to consume as a herbal supplement, consult your healthcare professional if you're suffering from any medical condition before taking any new supplement.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/withania-somnifera
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6862083/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4757043/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8866726/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28471731/