Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an incredibly healthy medicinal herb.
It is classified as an "adaptogen," meaning that it can help your body manage stress.
Aswhagandha also provides all sorts of other benefits for your body and brain.
For example, it can lower blood sugar levels, reduce cortisol, boost brain function and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are 12 benefits of ashwagandha that are supported by science.


It's an Ancient Medicinal Herb

Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentratio.
"Ashwagandha" is Sanskrit for "smell of the horse," which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.


This is what the ashwagandha plant looks like

The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant's root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Many of its health benefits are attributed to the high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth


It Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

Several human studies have confirmed its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes
In one study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha for 4 weeks had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared to a 4.5 mg/dL reduction in those who received a placebo

It Has Anti-Cancer Properties

Animal and test-tube studies have found that ashwagandha helps induce the apoptosis or "programmed cell death" of cancer cells
It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways
One of these ways is believed to be the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are toxic to cancer cells but not normal cells. Another mechanism causes cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis



It Can Reduce Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is known as a "stress hormone" because your adrenal glands release it in response to stress and when your blood sugar levels get too low.
Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels


It May Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.
Researchers who looked at its effects on rat brains reported that it blocked the stress pathway by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system
  Several controlled human studies have shown that it can effectively reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders


It Can Boost Testosterone and Increase Fertility in Men

Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on male hormone levels and reproductive health
 In a study of 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha had an increase in sperm count and motility.


Ashwagandha May Increase Muscle Mass and Strength
Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength 


It May Improve Brain Function, Including Memory

Test-tube and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha may reduce memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease


























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