Ashwagandha is part of a plant class called adaptogens, well-known for treating several diseases and illnesses naturally. Also known as Indian ginseng, or by its scientific name Withania somnifera, ashwagandha is a well-known herb for its medicinal properties. 

It can help your body in many ways, including:

• Managing stress,
• Supporting the nervous system,
• Supporting cardiovascular and immune health.

Now that you’re impressed by the myriad of ways in which this medicinal herb works the best for it, it’s time to read through some benefits. Also, you’ll get a gist of how it supports your overall well-being. Let’s get started:

Scientifically Proven Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha

Medical health experts have undergone a thorough research on the plant and found it to have many of these healing properties. Some benefits of the medicinal herb are:

Reduces Stress And Anxiousness

Stress comes in different forms – emotional, physical, and psychological. It usually involves cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone released from the adrenals that helps the body to free up resources and prepares it to fight against harmful infections.

In most cases, cortisol levels may increase, resulting in high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen. But the good news is that ashwagandha promotes healthy cortisol levels, stimulated in the stress response.

Experts claim that those supplemented with this natural herb had experienced more significant cortisol reductions than the control group. Those taking it regularly experienced a 30% reduction, on average.

Reduces Inflammation

Withania somnifera is one of the best natural anti-inflammatory supplements that help fight inflammation, making it a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is well-known to reduce inflammation called C-reactive protein by 36 percent.

All those taking this supplement experienced significantly less pain, stiffness, and overall disability. On the other hand, those taking the higher dosage (250 mg) experienced improvement (around four weeks). In comparison, others with a smaller dosage (125 mg) took a long time (eight weeks).

Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Managing diabetes is a daunting task. You have to make specific changes in your daily lifestyle and put your hands away from favorite delights. And the worst part is the side effects of all the medicines you take in. But natural supplements like W. somnifera are supposed to cure without leaving behind any side effects of their own.

Know that Withania somnifera works by affecting the body’s insulin production and insulin sensitivity. It promotes insulin secretion in the bloodstream, thus improving the breakdown of sugars in the blood. The medicinal herb ensures that less harmful sugars are stored in your body. Therefore, blood sugar levels remain low when you consume such natural health supplements over time.

Improves Heart Health

Ashwagandha can do wonders for your heart health. It helps manage cholesterol levels which are crucial in preventing heart diseases.

Taking the highest dose of Withania somnifera can help you experience a 17% fall in LDL (bad) cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides.

And, the best part is that this medicinal herb offers antioxidant support to the heart, protecting it against free radicals in the blood. Additionally, it provides anti-inflammatory benefits that make it easier for the heart to work efficiently.

Increases Fertility In Men

Withania somnifera is well-known for its effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health.

As you grow old, testosterone levels in your body may start to reduce. In fact, after 30, the level of this hormone can drop by 0.4% to 2% every year. You may experience symptoms like a loss in muscle mass, hair loss, and poor sex drive.

However, with this herb, luteinizing hormones and testosterone increase. Also, it helps in bringing the natural balance of sexual hormones back into your body. 

In a study, men who took this herb for stress encountered better sperm quality than those who didn’t.

Boosts Brain Health

Do you know, stress can damage your brain and the nervous system?

Ashwagandha can protect the brain from cell degeneration. Also, it protects against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

It also slows down neurological degeneration. It provides protection against neuritic atrophy and synaptic loss linked with brain diseases.

Increases Muscle Mass And Strength

Are you a fitness freak? Want to grow your muscles naturally? Consider adding ashwagandha to your diet to improve your muscle growth.

Testosterone is an essential hormone for the body and overall holistic health. Ashwagandha increases testosterone, which can affect all sorts of bodily functions, especially muscle growth.

Testosterone affects all sorts of things in the body, such as:

• Bone density
• Fat distribution
• Muscle mass
• Stronger bones
• Less fat

It is a proven testosterone booster that is responsible for things like:

• Recovery and healing
• Protein synthesis
• Muscle size
• Muscle growth

Prevents Cancer Cell Growth

Ashwagandha has anti-cancer properties which impede the production of cancer cells in breast, colon, lung, and brain cancers. Programmed death of cells is called apoptosis, and it is a target for many cancer treatments.

One study found that withaferin, a compound in Withania somnifera, prevents cancer cell growth and makes them more susceptible to apoptosis.

Researchers consider it  safe to use with traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy.

Promotes Sleep

A good night’s sleep plays a pivotal role in living a healthier life. Because Withania somnifera has recuperative properties, it promotes healthy sleep.

Researchers say that the trimethylene glycol naturally present in the herb promotes sleep. Other researchers say that ashwagandha acts on GABA receptors, a vital part of the sleep cycle.

Boosts Immunity

Many ayurvedic practitioners say that Withania somnifera is one of the most potent herbs to boost the functioning of the immune system. You can consume ashwagandha powder with water or milk to quickly get plenty of health benefits and immune-boosting nutrients.

Know that this medicinal herb is rich in amino acids, lipids, and nucleic acids, which also help to reduce blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and stress hormones.

Conclusion

Adding ashwagandha to your diet is one of the easiest ways to improve your health and live a healthier life.

While ashwagandha has no side effects, consulting a doctor before consuming it can be wise. People with autoimmune diseases—such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus—should consult a doctor before adding it to their diet.