Have you ever heard of ashwagandha? It’s an ancient herb that predominantly Asian cultures have used to help the body limit stress.
However, it’s recently gained popularity in the U.S. due to more research about its other medicinal effects. Are you looking for another supplement to fortify your immune system this winter?
If so, ashwagandha may be the one for you. Please keep reading for a breakdown of the benefits of taking ashwagandha in our guide below.
1. Relieves Anxiety and Stress
When we experience high-stress levels, they typically include symptoms such as:
- Low energy
- Irritability
- Anxious episodes
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
Each of these symptoms can have damaging effects on your body. But to deal with these problems, more people have been using the best ashwagandha supplements.
Several studies have shown that participants that have taken ashwagandha had a significant stress reduction. It’s known for regulating levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
2. Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar can lead to conditions like diabetes which can drastically affect your quality of life. There are two types of diabetes:
- Type I
- Type II
Type I diabetes is more common in children and young adults. It develops when your body’s autoimmune response has weakened. As a result, your body attacks itself and destroys cells in your pancreas that produce insulin.
Type II diabetes is more common among all people affected by this condition. The body can’t make insulin the way it’s supposed to. So you’ll have to manage your blood sugar levels for the rest of your life.
Typical diabetes management includes:
- Following diets high in nutrition and fiber
- Participating in regular exercise
- Losing weight where necessary
- Monitoring blood pressure
- Taking prescribed medication
However, a study was done by researchers seeking a connection between ashwagandha and diabetes. It could be an alternative treatment method with all of its medical properties.
Results showed that for people with type 2 diabetes, taking ashwagandha was as effective as taking standard diabetes medication. Instead of relying on prescription medication, people could manage their blood sugar levels through holistic means.
3. May Increase Muscle Mass
There are many ashwagandha benefits. But one that tends to go under the radar is its ability to help you increase muscle mass.
Studies have shown that men who have taken ashwagandha for a certain period built muscle mass and increased their strength. However, these effects will vary depending on the individual.
Factors that could affect the outcome of the muscle increase include:
- An individual’s current diet
- Exercise frequency
- Body type
To increase the effectiveness of ashwagandha on your muscle mass, try to correct unhealthy habits you may have.
4. Prevent the Loss of Brain Function
As we get older, our brain’s functions naturally start to decline. But studies have shown that one of the health benefits of taking ashwagandha includes boosting brain activity.
More research needs to be done surrounding this topic. However, one study did show that men who took ashwagandha had a significant boost to their reaction time and cognitive functions.
If you don’t want to take the natural ashwagandha root, you can opt for medications that use it as an ingredient. That way, you’ll still be able to reap some of the benefits of this herb.
5. Testosterone Booster for Men
There are also some reproductive benefits to taking ashwagandha. Studies have shown it can boost fertility and testosterone levels in men.
In another study, results showed that taking ashwagandha lowered the user’s antioxidant levels while increasing the quality of sperm. There was a 14% increase in pregnant partners by men who had taken the supplement.
6. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural part of our body’s healing process. There are two types of inflammation:
- Acute
- Chronic
Whenever we receive a cut or bruise, inflammatory cells make their way to the area to trap bacteria and begin healing. That is called acute inflammation.
However, there are times when our bodies create inflammation when there’s no danger around, which is called chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can develop from multiple conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Cancer
- Arthritis
But you can reduce some of its effects with the help of ashwagandha. Studies have shown that this supplement increases the activity of cells that fight infection.
7. Improves Focus and Memory
As mentioned above, ashwagandha can help prevent the loss of brain function, especially in older adults. But it can also enhance focus and memory.
Multiple studies have shown that participants who took ashwagandha increased their problem-solving ability. Even throughout a series of differing tests, there was an enhancement in cognitive functions and participants’ attention spans.
8. May Have Cancer-Fighting Properties
Cancer is a condition that currently affects 2 million Americans. It has a rigorous treatment plan that involves multiple rounds of chemotherapy and other medications.
However, multiple animal studies have shown that ashwagandha has some anticancer properties. Although more needs to be done surrounding its effects on human cancer cells, the present research is encouraging.
Remember the Benefits of Taking Ashwagandha
The benefits of taking ashwagandha are clear. It can help reduce your anxiety and stress while increasing your brain’s functionality. There are also some anti-inflammation and cancer properties in this product.
Before you decide to start taking this herbal supplement, ensure to consult with your doctor about the correct ashwagandha dosage for you. Hopefully, you’ll get the health benefits you desire.
Are you interested in learning more about ashwagandha or other medical herbs? If so, feel free to visit our blog for related content.
