Ashwagandha Supplement: The health benefits behind this adaptogenic herb
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, is a popular adaptogenic herb that's been generating a lot of buzz lately. With its roots in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, this herb has been used for centuries across the world. But what exactly is ashwagandha, and what are the health benefits that make it so popular today? In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the science behind this powerful herb and explore its potential to improve everything from stress and anxiety to brain function and physical performance. So, whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply looking to support your overall health, read on to discover the power of an ashwagandha supplement.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a small shrub with yellow flowers that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. It is classified as an adaptogenic herb, which means it helps the body adapt to stress and maintain balance in the face of external challenges.
The active compounds in ashwagandha include alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic properties. Research has shown that ashwagandha may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as well as the ability to modulate stress hormones such as cortisol. These mechanisms may explain why ashwagandha is commonly used to combat stress, anxiety, insomnia, and chronic fatigue.
Today, ashwagandha is available in various forms, including ashwagandha gummies, powders, capsules, tinctures, and teas. Capsules are one of the most popular ways to take ashwagandha, as they provide a convenient and standardised dose of the herb. In the next section, we'll explore some of the potential benefits of ashwagandha supplements in more detail.
What Are Ashwagandha Supplements Good For?
Ashwagandha supplements may reduce stress and anxiety One of the most well-known benefits of ashwagandha is its potential to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have found that ashwagandha supplementation may help to lower cortisol levels, a hormone that the body produces in response to stress. Chronically elevated cortisol levels can contribute to a range of health issues, including anxiety, depression, weight gain, and cognitive impairment. Research also suggests that ashwagandha may even improve resilience to stress by improving the body's overall stress response.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind ashwagandha's stress-reducing effects, the evidence suggests that it may be a useful tool for managing stress and anxiety in certain individuals.
Ashwagandha Supplements May Improve Brain Function
Ashwagandha has been shown to have potential benefits for cognitive function and brain health.
In one study, individuals who took ashwagandha supplements for eight weeks showed significant improvements in memory, attention, and information processing speed compared to a placebo group. Other studies have found that ashwagandha may help to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, as well as improve symptoms in people with these conditions.
The exact mechanisms behind ashwagandha's cognitive benefits are not fully understood, but researchers believe that the herb's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects may play a role. Ashwagandha may also have a positive impact on neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine, which are involved in regulating mood and cognitive function.
Ashwagandha Supplements May Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Studies have shown that ashwagandha possess potent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation throughout the body, protecting you from chronic disease.
Ashwagandha supplements may improve muscle strength and recovery Athletes and fitness enthusiasts will love ashwagandha thanks to it’s muscle strength and post-workout recovery potential.
Studies suggest that ashwagandha may increase muscle mass and strength, reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, and decrease body fat percentage. This is thought to be achieved by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, two factors that can hinder muscle growth and recovery.
Ashwagandha also contains compounds called withanolides, which have been shown to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. This process is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue after exercise. By promoting muscle protein synthesis, ashwagandha is thought to speed up recovery time and improve muscle strength. So, if you want to take your fitness game to the next level, ashwagandha is a must-try!
No Complaints At All!
"Brilliant. Really calms me down. Will be purchasing again once I’ve used mine." - Shannon F.
Our Ashwagandha supplement contains 1100mg of Ashwagandha root extract per serving. The supplement comes as a 2 month supply as we recommend taking 2 capsules per day for the full benefits of Ashwagandha. Similar to how it was used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, we only extract the roots for its adaptogenic properties.
The Bottom Line
Ashwagandha is a powerful herb that works in multiple ways to boost our wellbeing. Studies have shown that ashwagandha can provide a plethora of positive performance and health benefits. So if you're looking for a natural way to boost your health and resilience, consider adding an ashwagandha supplement to your daily routine today! Are you looking to try ashwagandha? Look no further than Nutravita’s organic ashwagandha capsules! Our expertly formulated capsules include the powerful adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha, as well as BioPerine, which has been shown to enhance the bioavailability and absorption of ashwagandha in your body.
Written by Riya Lakhani ANutr
Riya Lakhani ANutr is a registered nutritionist and health writer with a special interest in plant-based nutrition. She has completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Human Nutrition, and has developed a passion for writing about all things plant-based.