From Immunity to Weight Loss: 7 Top Ashwagandha Benefits to Know Of

Healthcare has now become the number one priority for most people, and some are choosing to go the natural route. This includes either the use of ayurvedic treatments or natural medicinal herbs. Among the more commonly used herbs is ashwagandha and it has several benefits. Indians have reaped ashwagandha benefits for better health for ages as it is a trusted medicinal herb that is used to treat numerous health conditions.

In fact, data suggests that the ashwagandha benefits for women range from mood improvement to reproductive support. Experts also suggest that using ashwagandha for hair may have positive effects too. All of these measures surely have merit, and offer immense value to those seeking to stay healthier naturally. However, to truly utilise this herb to its maximum potential, you need to know the key ways in which it improves health. To that end, here are 7 of the more popular ashwagandha benefits to note.

Helps treatment of arthritis

Those suffering from arthritis often deal with immense amounts of pain arising due to inflammation in the body. This is where ashwagandha can help as it may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Further, it may also work as a pain reliever and help stop pain signals from travelling through the central nervous system. Some research even suggests that it works against rheumatoid arthritis for the same reasons.

Improve cognitive functions

Besides having anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha is also good at promoting antioxidant activity in the body. This is a process that safeguards the body’s nerve cells from the free radicals, thus reducing oxidative stress. As a result, it can improve brain function, memory, task performance, and even attention. In fact, it is commonly used to boost memory in ayurvedic practices but there is limited research supporting this use.

Boosts heart health

There is research that points to an improvement in heart health when using ashwagandha root extract. This is because it was found to improve cardiorespiratory endurance. Moreover, this herb is commonly used to ease chest pain, prevent heart disease, lower blood pressure, and keep cholesterol levels in check.

Addresses anxiety and depression symptoms

Some studies suggest that ashwagandha may have a calming effect on those suffering from anxiety. Moreover, a recent study in 2019 found that a daily ashwagandha dosage of 240mg reduced stress significantly by reducing cortisol in the body. This was compared against those who were given a placebo. While studies are still being conducted, there is promise in this herb’s ability to tackle anxiety symptoms.

Works wonders for weight loss

Ashwagandha weight loss benefits are among the more widely known advantages of this herb and there is truth to this. This herb contains antioxidants, which are required for indirect fat burning. Moreover, it helps lower stress and this is usually a key factor for weight gain. Further, using ashwagandha for weight loss is effective because it helps keep immune function in order, which is a requirement for natural weight loss.

Lastly, ashwagandha weight gain treatment can be an option if you have low thyroid function. The herb may help increase thyroid hormone levels. This combats hypothyroidism, which is said to be a contributing factor to a person gaining excessive amounts of weight.

Improves immune function

Ashwagandha is said to support and improve the body’s immune function. A research paper notes that it helps prevent disease through cell-mediated immunity. It boosts resilience to stress, physical, chemical, or biological, as it is a powerful adaptogen. Because of its benefits to the body’s immune system, some prefer having ashwagandha tea instead of regular tea. Further, by helping the immune cells ward off infection, the herb helps reduce inflammation.

Lower inflammation is also linked to reducing the risk of heart disease, which is another benefit you enjoy.

Aids Alzheimer’s treatment

Since ashwagandha helps improve cognitive function, this ability may have a hand in helping those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have found that this herb prevented or slowed down the loss of brain function in people that had Alzheimer’s or other types of neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

Being informed about these ashwagandha benefits for men and women will help you live healthier naturally. Understanding how this herb works in the body helps give you a better understanding of what to expect. After learning about these ashwagandha health benefits, the next step is to know how to incorporate it into your diet. One of the most common practices is to mix ashwagandha powder with ghee or honey and then consume it. However, this isn’t the only way to go about it and here are few other ways to get your ashwagandha dosage.

• Ashwagandha uses in diet
•  Ashwagandha cookies
•  Ashwagandha Shrikhand
• Ashwagandha Banana Smoothie

Incorporating this healthy herb into your diet using any of the above-mentioned suggestions is sure to help you enjoy it without having to give up on its taste. But, it is important to note that overuse of this herb can have medical consequences. Some of the more common ashwagandha side effects include diarrhoea and vomiting. The herb may be particularly problematic for pregnant women as evidence suggests that it increases the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery.

Consulting a specialist for ashwagandha benefits and side effects is your best bet. These trained professionals can guide you on aspects such as dosage, ways to use it, and when to stop. To find an Ayurvedic doctor with ease, consider using the Bajaj Finserv Health App.

This feature-rich digital healthcare tool simplifies access to healthcare services. With the intuitive smart doctor search functionality, you can search for specialists and filter your search as per your needs. What’s more, the app allows you to book appointments online too, thus eliminating the need to make a physical visit or stand in lengthy queues. If an in-person visit isn’t possible, you can use the app to avail remote care by opting for a virtual consult. Some doctors offer this provision and you can take advantage of it to access quality healthcare no matter where you are. To avail these healthcare benefits and convenience-first perks, download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.