Let’s start by saying this is not a sponsored post and we don’t sell ashwagandha. But we do enjoy it’s benefits!
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is also known as winter cherry and is one of our primary adaptogens. Adaptogens are medicinal herbs that help us to deal with stress and anxiety—an underlying cause of major disease. Ashwagandha has its roots in Ayervedic medicine where it has been used for over three thousand years. The leaves and powdered root are used as natural medicine and a dosage of 450-500 mg once or twice a day is recommended.
Cuts Cortisol
Known as the “stress hormone,” cortisol is released whenever we are under pressure or when blood sugar levels drop. People who have high levels of stress can have elevated cortisol levels which result in blood sugar levels that are too high and fatty deposits in the abdomen. Studies have shown that regular administration of ashwagandha can result in a 30% reduction in cortisol levels.
Reduces Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in patients who have diabetes as well as those who don’t. In one study, patients who took ashwagandha for 30 days were able to lower their fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as they would with diabetes medication.
Cancer Prevention Properties
Apoptosis is the process whereby cancer cells are genetically programmed to die. Ashwagandha initiates this process in cancer cells. This makes it effective in both the prevention and treatment of cancers.
Animal studies have proven successful in the reduction of breast, lung, colon, brain and ovarian cancer but no human studies have been conducted to date.
Stops Stress
Anxiety and stress are reduced by the regular consumption of ashwagandha. It works by blocking the stress pathways which the brain uses to communicate with the nervous system. In one study, the control group who took ashwagandha for 60 days experienced a 69% reduction in stress and insomnia.
Fertility in Men
Studies show that ashwagandha increases the level of testosterone, sperm count and motility in men. One study of 75 men who took ashwagandha resulted in 14% of their partners falling pregnant.
Lower Cholesterol
Ashwagandha is an excellent anti-inflammatory and initial studies show that it may help with reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, chronically stressed adults who took ashwagandha for 60 days experienced, on average, a 17% decrease in LDL cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides.
Better Cognitive Functioning
Ashwagandha can improve brain functioning and memory. One way in which it does so is through its ability to fight oxidative stress which helps combat free radicals in the brain.