Ashwagandha is a very well known medicinal herb. It is an important herb in Ayurveda, an ancient study of natural treatments that has been practiced in India for over 6000 years. For centuries, people have used the roots and orange-red fruits of ashwagandha for various medical reasons. The word ‘ashwagandha’ is derived from Sanskrit and means “horse and fragrance”, referring to the aroma of the herb and the power it provides. This plant not only heals our physical illnesses, but also improves our mental health. That said, below are some of the health benefits of ashwagandha.
Improves focus and memory
Ashwagandha may help improve cognition, memory, and the ability to perform motor responses after instruction. Small studies have shown that ashwagandha significantly improves reaction speed during cognitive and psychomotor tasks compared to a placebo. According to a 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine, Ashwagandha increased participants’ attention spans, as well as their immediate and general memory for a range of tasks.
Helps maintain heart health
Few studies, including one published in the International Journal of Ayurveda, have shown that ashwagandha can increase VO2 max levels, the highest oxygen level you can absorb when you exercise yourself. These values are used to assess cardiorespiratory endurance, or how well the heart and lungs are delivering oxygen to the muscles during exercise. Higher VO2 max values can therefore indicate a healthy heart that is working well under certain conditions.
Reduces blood sugar and fat
Ashwagandha has the ability to stimulate insulin secretion and improve insulin sensitivity. This can help lower blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for diabetics. A few short clinical studies indicated that ashwagandha is beneficial for lowering blood glucose and lipid levels. A 2000 study even compared the blood sugar-lowering properties of ashwagandha to those of type 2 diabetes drugs.
Mental stress reliever
Ashwagandha is perhaps most known for its stress-relieving effects. Several studies have shown Ashwagandha’s ability to significantly reduce individuals’ stress and anxiety levels. The antidepressant effect of ashwagandha was investigated in a scientific study published in the journal Phytomedicine. The study looked at its application in clinically depressed people and the results were promising.
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