5 Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, sounds exotic right? But what is it? Ashwagandha has been enjoying the spotlight right now due to it's many health benefits but it has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine or traditional Indian medicine. This ancient medicinal herb, also known as 'Withania Somnifera', is an evergreen shrub that can be found in India, Africa and parts of the Middle East. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. It gains its popularity because it is said to have adaptogenic properties, meaning it is one of those super foods that can help the body manage stress by normalising the body’s cortisol levels. That’s not all it can do, it has other amazing benefits as well.

Here are 5 health benefits of Ashwagandha:

1. Relieves stress and anxiety: Studies show that there is a 69% reduction in anxiety and insomnia among the 64 participants of the study. All of which were diagnosed with chronic stress. In people with chronic stress, cortisol levels are higher than usual and stay this way for a longer period of time. This spike in cortisol causes persistent inflammation and increases the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, obesity, and fibromyalgia. Ashwagandha’s capability to normalise cortisol levels can reduce the stress response and reduce the risks mentioned above associated with chronic stress.
2. Stabilises blood sugar: Ashwagandha is said to increase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. It can help regulate blood sugar levels by reducing blood sugar when it’s too high or increasing it if it’s too low, thus stabilising blood sugar. This can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. 
3. Reduces inflammation: Ashwagandha’s potent anti-inflammatory properties work by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and decrease markers of inflammation.
4. Anti-carcinogenic: A compound in Ashwagandha, called withaferin, can help induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells. This compound is said to promote the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cancer cells, disrupting their function.
5. Boosts brain function, including memory: Withanamides are compounds in Ashwagandha that help protect the body against B-amyloid-induced plaques in Alzheimer’s Disease. These natural compounds promote antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals to prevent cell damage.

Bonus:

Ashwagandha helps balance out hormones: Ashwagandha can help people with hypo (underactive) thyroid issues, by balancing the thyroid and adrenal glands.

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