Benefits of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help your body manage stress. Ashwagandha also provides numerous other benefits for your body and brain. For example, it can boost brain function, lower blood sugar and cortisol levels, and help fight symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Here are 10 benefits of Ahwagandha that are supported by science:
Ancient medicinal herb - It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration
Can help reduce blood sugar levels - In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.
May help reduce stress and anxiety - researchers have reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system.
May reduce symptoms of depression - In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of high-concentration ashwagandha extract per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase
Can boost testosterone and increase fertility in men - In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After 3 months of treatment, 14% of the men's partners had become pregnant.
May reduce inflammation - Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy. It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).
May lower cholesterol and triglycerides - Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases levels of these blood fats. One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 53% and nearly 45%, respectively
May improve brain function, including memory - Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals. In one study, rats with epilepsy that were treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. This was likely caused by a reduction in oxidative stress.
May reduce inflammation - Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy.
Is safe for most people and widely available - Although ashwagandha is safe for most people, certain individuals shouldn't use it unless authorized to do so by their healthcare provider. Standardized root extract is commonly taken in 450–500-mg capsules once or twice per day.
