7 Benefits of Ashwagandha

33% of people report feeling extreme stress…

Are you one of them?

According to the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people experience stress that affects their physical health and 73% of people experience stress that impacts their mental health.

If you’re looking to combat stress, ashwagandha is HIGHLY effective.

What is Ashwagandha?

Withania somnifera is an herb that has been used in the Indian Ayurvedic medicine system for thousands of years. Many people enjoy using ashwagandha for its ability to reduce stress, anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality. Additionally, it improves brain function and reduces inflammation. It’s a natural adaptogen—a term used to describe an herb that provides you with stress-reducing and energy-boosting benefits.

Ashwagandha is pretty much everywhere these days, you might even be eating it right now! It’s often added to energy bars and protein powders, but you can also find it as an ingredient in skin care products and supplements designed to help people relax and sleep better at night. That’s why it’s a great addition to any diet – not only does it give you more energy throughout the day (which helps boost productivity), but it also helps reduce anxiety so that you feel less stressed out in your daily life. Here are the top 7 benefits of this amazing herb:

Reducing Stress, Anxiety and Depression

Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress levels, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Stress is also known to play a role in weight gain, heart disease, sleep issues, digestive issues, hormone imbalance and memory problems. Studies have found that it reduces cortisol levels (the “stress” hormone), as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression among people suffering from chronic stress or depression. It also helps improve sleep, which is often a problem for people with depression.

Improving Brain Function

Ashwagandha is also known to help improve brain function. One study found that the herb improves focus and concentration, as well as memory in people with dementia. Another study found that it could help improve mental clarity, which is thought to play an important role in cognitive health by reducing stress levels (stress is often linked with poor cognition).

In addition to these benefits, ashwagandha may even reduce risk of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. An animal study conducted at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that supplementation lowered levels of amyloid plaques—the sticky deposits deep inside your brain where Alzheimer’s begins—in both mice and rats who had been genetically engineered so they would develop symptoms similar enough for humans’ brains to be affected by them too!

Reducing Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders can be difficult to manage, as the symptoms are often vague and it’s difficult to identify the cause. However, numerous studies show that ashwagandha supports healthy thyroid function. It helps regulate your thyroid hormone levels, which reduces symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid) by reducing inflammation and increasing energy production. Also, it supports cognitive function so that you can work harder and concentrate better when managing your illness or disorder.

Balancing Hormones

Studies show ashwagandha balances estrogen levels in women with PCOS or endometriosis. It can also reduce symptoms of menopause like hot flashes and night sweats because it regulates hormone levels.

Increasing Strength and Muscle Mass

Ashwagandha has been shown to help increase endurance, metabolism, testosterone levels, growth hormone levels and insulin sensitivity. In a small study, researchers gave 57 healthy men either ashwagandha or a placebo for eight weeks. The men who took the ashwagandha supplement showed a significant increase in muscle mass and strength after just two weeks into the study.

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

Ashwagandha has shown potential in regulating blood glucose levels. Research, including a 2015 study, indicates that it can boost insulin secretion and enhance insulin sensitivity in muscle cells. Additionally, human studies and a 2020 review highlight that ashwagandha root powder may reduce blood glucose levels in diabetics and improve fasting blood glucose in those with stress-related conditions.

Reducing Inflammation

Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and brain, as well as in the joints, gut, skin and lungs. In addition to its ability to reduce brain inflammation through its antioxidant abilities, it may also help fight chronic pain by reducing inflammatory responses. By reducing this type of inflammation, stiffness decreases and arthritic/muscle pain is reduced. Research shows that it protects against heart disease by reducing blood pressure and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL.

Conclusion

Ashwagandha has many benefits for your body and mind. It’s a powerful adaptogen with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-stress properties. It also boosts energy levels. Make sure to look for a supplement containing a high quality ingredient such as Shoden, KSM-66 or Sensoril. If you’re interested in learning more about adaptogens, check out Rhodiola as well. As with any new supplement you are considering, remember that this is just one of many natural remedies, so make sure to do your research before taking anything new.

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