5 Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is a medicinal herb that has been used in Aryuvedic medicine for thousands of years. Typically, the root and berries of the plant are harvested for medicinal properties. It is classified as an adaptogen, which means that it has the ability to help the body deal with stress.

Ashwagandha has many health-enhancing qualities. Here are the top 5:

Stress Reduction

Ashwagandha has been shown to help reduce levels of cortisol in the body, the hormone responsible for making us feel stress. In small amounts, cortisol protects us In traditional medicine, it is administered to produce a soothing and calming effect, and as a treatment for anxiety. It has also been shown to aid with symptoms of depression, social anxiety and insomnia.

Can help improve vitality and fertility

Ashwagandha can also boost virility and fertility, specifically in men. This is because it helps aid the production of testosterone, and can help improve sperm count and semen quality. Ashwagandha may help women conceive faster by reducing stress, improving sexual function, and balancing hormones, but should not be taken during pregnancy.

Boosts Immunity

Ashwagandha can help fight off common colds and viruses by giving your immune system a boost. This is partially due to its ability to red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet count. It also contains protective antioxidants, and because it can lower inflammation, can be helpful in mitigating inflammatory responses in the body that lead to infection.

May help enhance and protect brain health

Several animal and in vitro studies suggest that a molecule found in ashwagandha called withanolides may produce a neuroprotective effect, shielding the brain against the effects of Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury. Constituents of ashwagandha can also cross the blood-brain barrier and are being researched as a therapeutic agent for stress-induced neurological disorders.

Supports Cardiac and Metabolic Health

A healthy stress response is important for your heart, and also makes an impact on your metabolism. Too much cortisol can raise your risk weight gain, insulin resistance, gaining adipose fat, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. These risk factors can increase your chances of developing type II diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and arterial disease. Ashwagandha has been shown to help lower fasting blood sugar, decrease LDL cholesterol, and reduce triglycerides.

All in all, ashwagandha not only helps you feel energized and mentally clear, it can help with many important facets of health. We’ve included a healthy dose in our Organic Greens powder, where it’s combined with 14 additional superfoods.