5 Benefits of Supplementing with Ashwagandha

Ash what? Ash-Wa-Gan-Dha! Don't worry, there is no quiz at the end of this article on pronunciation. But, 

you might want to read on to learn why this medicinal herb has been used and studies for decades and why it is commonly referred to as the "Indian Ginseng".

Ashwagandha Shows Great Promise

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen. In simple terms, this means that it can help with stress management while helping routine bodily processes.

Apart from its adaptogenic properties, it has shown to be beneficial to improve brain function, lower blood sugar levels, regulate the level of cortisol in the body, and fight symptoms of depression and anxiety.

These potential benefits are reason enough to consider popping a couple of small capsules a day no?

Want to dive a little deeper? Here are 5 benefits to supplementing with Ashwagandha we think are worthy of more detail.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Many studies now show promise that Ashwagandha can, and does reduce blood sugar levels, stimulate the secretion of insulin, and improve the sensitivity of insulin in muscle cells (1).

Numerous human studies have shown reductions in the levels of blood sugar, not just in healthy individuals, but diabetic patients as well (2,3,4,5).

Considering the number of adults battling diabetes, this is promising to say the very least.

For those of us who live a nutritional lifestyle around intermittent fasting, the studies showing reduced fasted blood sugar levels are equally as exciting (6).

As science has already established, reducing blood sugar levels has numerous health benefits, such as weight loss and reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while also possibly reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related deaths.

In other words, normal blood sugar levels are important and Ashwagandha has been known to provide such normalizing effects.

Anti-Cancer Properties

There are indications that Ashwagandha might also possess anti-cancer properties.

Animal studies have found that Ashwagandha induces apoptosis of cancer cells. Apoptosis is a clinical term for programmed cell death. In layman terms, it might very well aid in killing off, and or, stalling the growth of cancerous cells. Thus far studies have shown impacts on varying cancer types such as colon, breast, lung, ovarian, and brain cancers (7, 8, 9, 10,  11, 12, 13).

Since it is pretty safe to say cancer is one of the ugliest, most hated diseases humans face, anything that might help fight this battle would be welcomed by most.

Reduces Cortisol Levels

Cortisol is a hormone released by the adrenal glands in response to stress. Your adrenal glands also release cortisol when your blood sugar levels fall below normal.

In reverse, however, if cortisol levels become elevated, one can potentially see an increase in blood sugar levels, as well as, increased storage of fat in the abdomen.

Good news again! Clinical research has shown that Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels an average of 30% (2,14, 15).

Controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing cortisol have not only substantial health benefits but could also go a long way in helping fight the weight management battle so many of us face.

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

Although the above benefits are enormous, the truth is, Ashwagandha is best known for its anti-stress effects for good reason.

By blocking the pathways for stress in the brain via the regulation of chemical signaling in the nervous system, Ashwagandha can minimize the symptoms of anxiety and stress in people (14, 16, 17, 18).

Studies have shown as much as a 60% reduction in insomnia and anxiety when participants supplemented with Ashwagandha (14). When you take into account the number of adults with sleep and stress-related issues, this could have a very pronounced impact on many, many lives.

Stimulates Testosterone Production in Men

Heard of "Low-T"? Like it or not, decreasing testosterone levels in men is a real issue.

Additionally, over the past few decades, the speed at which these levels decline has appeared to increase. This is not good news and the reasons are plenty.

Ashwagandha-based supplements appear to have potent effects on men's health with studies showing not only increased levels of testosterone but also sperm mobility and count as well (15, 19, 20, 21).

When you combine this great news with the added benefit of higher than normal levels of antioxidants, the "good warriors", that help fight the evil free-radicals that cause more than their fair share of health issues, men should consider Ashwagandha as a staple to their nutritional protocol.

Ashwagandha is Worth the Minimal Cost

After reading through this article, it is probably very obvious to most why 3D Labs Nutrition chose to make Ashwagandha one of their very first products launched.

We believe strongly, based not only on the research noted in this article but personal Ashwagandha use as well, this herb should be a part of almost everyone's nutritional foundation.

As we have shared for years, via our nutritional coaching, everyone pays for their health and wellness one way or another. It is always far more costly, and usually far more painful to be reactive (drugs and medications), then it is to be proactive (good nutrition and supplementation).

You may or may not agree as of yet, but for us, the 5 benefits of supplementing with Ashwagandha noted above provide numerous reasons to consider adding it to your daily routine.

The benefits of Ashwagandha simply cannot, should not, be ignored!

Always Remember...

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Until next time...PROGRESS, not PERFECTION!

Don't forget, always consult your physician before making any changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

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