Your Cart is Empty
Curious about the benefits of taking ashwagandha? You’re not alone! More and more people are seeking out natural medicines and supplements, and ashwagandha offers a myriad of mental and physical health benefits. What is ashwagandha, and how can it improve your fitness regimen and possibly even your life? Read on to learn more!
Also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, ashwagandha is an herb that grows in India, throughout the Middle East, and in some parts of Africa.
The evergreen shrub’s root is used for a variety of medicinal purposes, especially in India where it’s a major component in the Ayurvedic medicine system, a natural healing practice that’s more than 3,000 years old.
The benefits of taking ashwagandha come from the root. In fact, the root also gives ashwagandha its name — ashwa (or ashva) is the Sanskrit word for horse, and gandha means fragrance or smell. In other words, the roots of ashwagandha have been described as smelling like a horse! Additionally, ashwagandha is said to give horse-like vitality and strength.
Of course, you don’t have to worry about any sort of funky taste, as we go above and beyond to provide the most delicious health supplements out there. Even for those who do take ashwagandha on its own, the ashwagandha nutrition and mental health benefits are well worth the scent!
Let’s take a look at some of the primary physical and mental health benefits of taking ashwagandha.
In the West, ashwagandha is most commonly used to alleviate stress and anxiety. It provides a soothing, calming effect that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day, yet it’s not overly relaxing like many other herbs and medicines used for stress and anxiety, so most people have no problem taking it during the day, too.
Several studies have shown that ashwagandha regulates the nervous system’s chemical signaling, naturally keeping overwhelming feelings at bay. In one study, 69% of people who suffered from chronic stress experienced relief, while only 11% of the placebo group reported relief. Clearly the mental health benefits of taking ashwagandha are worth exploring!
Many men take ashwagandha for its effects on the reproductive system. Studies have shown that men who take ashwagandha have higher testosterone levels, as well as an increased sperm count and motility. For this reason, it’s quite common for men to take ashwagandha when they’re hoping to have a child with their partner, especially if they’ve struggled with infertility.
Ashwagandha has gained a great deal of attention in the strength building community, and for good reason. In order to understand the benefits of taking ashwagandha in a strength building context, we’ll need to travel 2.5 million years back to when ancient humans lived in caves.
During this tumultuous time period, humans developed many survival mechanisms, including the production of hormones that optimize the body to handle stressful situations.
For example, say our prehistoric man runs into a pack of hyenas. The adrenal glands trigger the release of a hormone called cortisol, which is also known as the stress hormone. Cortisol stimulates the body to use amino acids as a source of energy, which in turn stimulates muscle deterioration. So, our caveman gets a boost of energy to help him run or fight, but the sacrifice is that he loses a bit of muscle mass.
This research about the benefits of taking ashwagandha for muscle development is still ongoing, but many scientists believe that ashwagandha helps to reduce or regulate cortisol levels. Besides breaking down muscles, elevated cortisol levels may slow digestion, increase blood sugar levels, slow testosterone production, and suppress the immune system. So, keeping your cortisol levels in check just makes sense.
Scientists who study ashwagandha nutrition have learned that the herb may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. In one study, adults with chronic stress took ashwagandha extract for 60 days, and at the end of that period, their cholesterol levels had been reduced by 17%. The benefits of taking ashwagandha are still being studied, but this versatile herb could be a valuable addition to your weight loss plan.
Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen, which means it’s able to adapt and meet the unique needs of your body! One example that’s being studied is how it can reduce or increase blood sugar levels as needed. Research suggests that this occurs for people with or without diabetes. If you’re considering taking ashwagandha to treat a health condition, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.
What is ashwagandha?As you can see, it’s extremely multifaceted, and we’ve only scratched the surface! Interested in experiencing the benefits of taking ashwagandha first-hand? Our Super LFTD. Greens contain 200mg of ashwagandha per serving, alongside many other leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and powerful antioxidants.
At LFTD. Lifestyle, we’re passionate about what we do. Our professional-grade formulations are the exact same as those used by our founder, Brenton Simmons, as well as many top athletes worldwide. Our fitness supplements are crafted using only clean, top-quality ingredients so you can feel good about what you put in your body.
If you’re interested in learning more about this ancient herb, please feel free to contact us to speak with a knowledgeable specialist. We can help you determine if the benefits of taking ashwagandha are right for your fitness goals. We can also assist in putting together a custom supplement stack catered to you. Shop LFTD. Lifestyle supplements now for an incredible deal on premium supplements that empower you to conquer your wellness and fitness goals.