1. It’s an Ancient Medicinal Herb
Ashwagandha is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing.
It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration (1).
“Ashwagandha” is Sanskrit for “smell of the horse,” which refers to both its unique smell and ability to increase strength.
Its botanical name is Withania somnifera, and it’s also known by several other names, including Indian ginseng and winter cherry.
The ashwagandha plant is a small shrub with yellow flowers that’s native to India and North Africa. Extracts or powder from the plant’s root or leaves are used to treat a variety of conditions.
Many of its health benefits are attributed to its high concentration of withanolides, which have been shown to fight inflammation and tumor growth (1).
Summary Ashwagandha is a prominent herb in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and has become a popular supplement due to its health benefits.
2. It Can Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
In several studies, ashwagandha has been shown to lower blood sugar levels.
One test-tube study found that it increased insulin secretion and improved insulin sensitivity in muscle cells (2).
Also, several human studies have confirmed its ability to reduce blood sugar levels in both healthy people and those with diabetes (3, 4, 5, 6).
Additionally, in one four-week study in people with schizophrenia, those treated with ashwagandha had an average reduction in fasting blood sugar levels of 13.5 mg/dL, compared to 4.5 mg/dL in those who received a placebo (5).
What’s more, in a small study in six people with type 2 diabetes, supplementing with ashwagandha for 30 days lowered fasting blood sugar levels as effectively as an oral diabetes medication (6).
Summary Ashwagandha may reduce blood sugar levels through its effects on insulin secretion and sensitivity.
3. It Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Animal and test-tube studies have found that ashwagandha helps induce apoptosis, which is the programmed death of cancer cells (7).
It also impedes the growth of new cancer cells in several ways (7).
First, ashwagandha is believed to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are toxic to cancer cells but not normal cells. Second, it may cause cancer cells to become less resistant to apoptosis (8).
Animal studies suggest that it may help treat several types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon, brain and ovarian cancer (9, 10, 11, 12, 13).
In one study, mice with ovarian tumors treated with ashwagandha alone or in combination with an anti-cancer drug had a 70–80% reduction in tumor growth. The treatment also prevented the spread of cancer to other organs (13).
Although there are no studies to confirm these results in humans yet, the research to date is encouraging.
Summary Animal and test-tube studies have shown that ashwagandha promotes the death of tumor cells and may be effective against several types of cancer.
4. It Can Reduce Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is known as a “stress hormone” because your adrenal glands release it in response to stress, as well as when your blood sugar levels get too low.
Unfortunately, in some cases, cortisol levels may become chronically elevated, which can lead to high blood sugar levels and increased fat storage in the abdomen.
Studies have shown that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol levels (3, 14, 15).
In one study in chronically stressed adults, those who supplemented with ashwagandha had significantly greater reductions in cortisol, compared to the control group. Those taking the highest dose had a 30% reduction, on average (3).
Summary Ashwagandha supplements may help lower cortisol levels in chronically stressed individuals.
5. It May Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress.
Researchers reported that it blocked the stress pathway in the brains of rats by regulating chemical signaling in the nervous system (16).
Several controlled human studies have shown that it can effectively reduce symptoms in people with stress and anxiety disorders as well (14, 17, 18).
In a 60-day study in 64 people with chronic stress, those in the supplemental group reported a 69% average reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared to 11% in the placebo group (14).
In another six-week study, 88% of people who took ashwagandha reported a reduction in anxiety, compared to 50% of those who took a placebo (18).
Summary Ashwagandha has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in both animal and human studies.
6. It May Reduce Symptoms of Depression
Although it hasn’t been thoroughly studied, a few studies suggest ashwagandha may help alleviate depression (14, 18).
In one controlled 60-day study in 64 stressed adults, those who took 600 mg of ashwagandha per day reported a 79% reduction in severe depression, while the placebo group reported a 10% increase (14).
However, only one of the participants in this study had a history of depression. For this reason, the relevance of the results is unclear.
Summary The limited research available suggests that ashwagandha may help reduce depression.
7. It Can Boost Testosterone and Increase Fertility in Men
Ashwagandha supplements may have powerful effects on testosterone levels and reproductive health (15, 19, 20, 21).
In one study in 75 infertile men, the group treated with ashwagandha showed increased sperm count and motility.
What’s more, the treatment led to a significant increase in testosterone levels (21).
The researchers also reported that the group who took the herb had increased antioxidant levels in their blood.
In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality. After three months of treatment, 14% of the men’s partners had become pregnant (15).
Summary Ashwagandha helps increase testosterone levels and significantly boosts sperm quality and fertility in men.
8. It May Increase Muscle Mass and Strength
Research has shown that ashwagandha may improve body composition and increase strength (4, 20, 22).
In a study to determine a safe and effective dosage for ashwagandha, healthy men who took 750–1,250 mg per day gained muscle strength after 30 days (4).
In another study, those who took ashwagandha had significantly greater gains in muscle strength and size. It also more than doubled the reduction in body fat percentage, compared to the placebo group (20).
Summary Ashwagandha has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat and increase strength in men.
9. It May Reduce Inflammation
Several animal studies have shown that ashwagandha helps decrease inflammation (23, 24, 25).
Studies in humans have found that it increases the activity of natural killer cells, which are immune cells that fight infection and help you stay healthy (26, 27).
It has also been shown to decrease markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP). This marker is linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
In one controlled study, the group who took 250 mg of ashwagandha daily had a 36% decrease in CRP, on average, compared to a 6% decrease in the placebo group (3).
Summary Ashwagandha has been shown to increase natural killer cell activity and decrease markers of inflammation.
10. It May Lower Cholesterol and Triglycerides
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, ashwagandha may help improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Animal studies have found that it significantly decreases these blood fats.
One study in rats found that it lowered total cholesterol by as much as 53% and triglycerides by nearly 45% (28).
While controlled human studies have reported less dramatic results, they have observed some impressive improvements in these markers (3, 4, 5, 6).
In a 60-day study in chronically stressed adults, the group taking the highest dosage of ashwagandha experienced a 17% decrease in “bad” LDL cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides, on average (3).
Summary Ashwagandha may help reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
11. It May Improve Brain Function, Including Memory
Test-tube and animal studies suggest that ashwagandha may reduce memory and brain function problems caused by injury or disease (29, 30, 31, 32).
Research has shown that it promotes antioxidant activity that protects nerve cells from harmful free radicals.
In one study, epileptic rats treated with ashwagandha had nearly a complete reversal of spatial memory impairment. This was likely caused by a reduction in oxidative stress (32).
Although ashwagandha has traditionally been used to boost memory in Ayurvedic practice, there is only a small amount of human research in this area.
In one controlled study, healthy men who took 500 mg of the herb daily reported significant improvements in their reaction time and task performance, compared to men who received a placebo (33).
Another eight-week study in 50 adults showed that taking 300 mg of ashwagandha root extract twice daily significantly improved general memory, task performance and attention (34).
Summary Ashwagandha supplements may improve brain function, memory, reaction times and the ability to perform tasks.
12. Ashwagandha Is Safe for Most People and Widely Available
Ashwagandha is a safe supplement for most people.
However, certain individuals should not take it, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
People with autoimmune diseases should also avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a doctor. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes.
Additionally, those on medication for thyroid disease should be careful when taking ashwagandha, as it may potentially increase thyroid hormone levels in some people.
It may also decrease blood sugar and blood pressure levels, so medication dosages may need to be adjusted if you take it.
Ashwagandha dosages in studies typically ranged from 125–1,250 mg daily. In studies where different dosages were taken, the higher dosage usually produced the most dramatic improvements.
If you want to supplement with ashwagandha, look for root extract or powder in 450–500 mg capsules and take it once or twice per day.
It’s offered by several supplement manufacturers and available from various retailers, including health food stores and vitamin shops.
Summary Although ashwagandha is safe for most people, certain individuals shouldn’t use it unless authorized by their doctor. The recommended dosage is 450–500 mg once or twice per day.
The Bottom Line
Ashwagandha is a traditional medicinal herb with multiple health benefits.
It can reduce anxiety and stress, help fight depression, boost fertility and testosterone in men and may even boost brain function.
Supplementing with ashwagandha may be an easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-proven-ashwagandha-benefits
What's the REAL problem with Ashwagandha?
Eventhough Ashwagandha comes with a laundry list of incredible health benefits:
- Supports Healthy Thyroid Function
- Promotes a Calm State of Mind
- Improves Mood and Energy
- Boosts Memory and Supports Brain Health
- Strengthen Immune Function
It has *one major flaw*.
The major flaw of Ashwagandha is bioavailability.
The body has a hard time absorbing Ashwagandha Powder, which makes bioavailability a HUGE issue! Bioavailability is the amount of a substance that enters your bloodstream. More bioavailability means you actually get the health benefits you’re looking for. But less bioavailability? That means you’re wasting money.
Essence Roots has discovered a unique, yet simple way to make Ashwagandha more bioavailable than ever.
Along with giving us superstar nutrients like ashwagandha, Mother Nature also provides us with helper nutrients. These helper nutrients take a good thing and make it even better. Scientists call these Bioavailability Enhancers, and new research points to piperine as being the most effective on the planet. Ultra Ashwagandha comes in a veggie capsule packed full of piperine, making it the most bioavailable Ashwagandha money can buy!
Special Offer
Today Ultra Ashwagandha by Essence Roots is running a 50% off promotion. The more bottles you buy, the more discount you get. So don’t wait until its too late, take advantage of this incredible offer now. Don’t forget to come back and let us know about your results!
Simply click on the link bellow to claim your deal.
This is a one time purchase with no hidden additional cost or obligations.
