Ashwagandha Benefits: Why You Should Take This Adaptogen

Although ashwagandha has been used for such a long period of time within Ayurveda, it’s a fairly new herbal ingredient on the mainstream market. Its popularity in the modern world has grown, as is continuing to grow exponentially though, and it’s now known as one of the ‘must-have’ adaptogen ingredients in supplements.

With so many superfood formulas containing this ancient herb, including my formula Supergreen Tonik, I think it’s only fitting that I share the benefits associated with ashwagandha with you so that you know why this herb is so popular, and why you should be consuming it daily.

So, let’s get into it straight away and check out the 8 most powerful benefits of the ancient herb, Ashwagandha.

Reduces The Growth Of Cancer Cells

One of the most popular reasons that ashwagandha is being used so much in supplements now is because research has shown that it may slow the growth of cancerous cells, and fight specific types of cancer.

The specific types of cancer that ashwagandha is supposed to protect from and help fight are breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and brain cancer.

The research done on the reduction of cancerous cells hasn’t yet been conducted on humans, but only on animals, so although it can’t be confirmed, it’s very likely that people with cancerous cells would experience the same results.

Lowers Cholesterol

Research on ashwagandha has shown that it reduces cholesterol levels, as well as triglycerides. If the body contains high triglycerides, the walls of the arteries may become thicker and arteriosclerosis may occur, which can cause the blood to clot.

So, ashwagandha improves and supports heart health by reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Reduces Inflammation

Ashwagandha reduces inflammation in the body, and a low level of inflammation is essential if the body is to benefit from good overall levels of health and wellbeing.

If inflammation in the body isn’t kept at a low level, it can become chronic over time and begin to attack healthy cells in the body, causing illnesses such as heart disease.

Reduces Stress Levels

Research has shown that ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol levels are the hormone released when stress is felt, and ashwagandha reduces these, meaning it reduces the overall levels of stress a person experiences.

Five studies have been done so far into the link between ashwagandha and cortisol levels, with one showing that people who took 300mg of ashwagandha every day for 8 weeks experienced lower levels of stress and anxiety.

Related: My favourite supplements to fight stress.

Helps To Relieve Depression

Ashwagandha is said to boost mood and relieve symptoms of depression.

Although there hasn’t been an extensive amount of research done into the link between ashwagandha and lower levels of depression, it does reduce cortisol levels (as mentioned above), which would subsequently relieve depression.

Increases Libido and Fertility

Ashwagandha has been proven to raise the levels of testosterone significantly. As men age, the production of testosterone decreases in their bodies significantly.

Ashwagandha is well-known for being a powerful aphrodisiac, and it doesn’t only heighten libido, but it also increases fertility levels in men and women.

A medical study in 2014 found that men that were taking ashwagandha three times daily increased their sperm count by 167% over 90 days.

Improves Sleep Quality

Ashwagandha increases the quality of sleep, and has a sleep-including effect, meaning that it can be extremely useful for those that suffer from insomnia.

The leaves of ashwagandha in particular contain triethylene glycol, which is a sleep-inducing agent.

Related: The best supplements to help you sleep.

Boosts The Immune System

Ashwagandha promotes the production of white blood cells in the body and protects the cells in the body from radical damage, boosting the immune system.

A strong immune system is essential to fight illnesses and have an optimum level of overall health and wellbeing daily.

How Much Ashwagandha Should You Take?

There’s no standard recommended daily dose of ashwagandha, so people take anywhere between 250mg – 6g per day.

However, the general amount you should take per day to ensure that you receive benefits is between 250mg – 500mg.

If you get used to consuming it and you don’t experience any adverse effects (you shouldn’t don’t worry), you can up this dose.

What’s The Easiest Way To Take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is available in powdered form and is therefore sold as a powder, or within capsules.

One of the easiest ways to take ashwagandha and ensure you’re getting your daily dose of essential vitamins and minerals at the same time is by greens powders with Ashwagandha that contains it.

If you just want to take this herb on its own then you can check out the most popular ashwagandha supplements.

Is Ashwagandha Suitable For Everyone?

Since ashwagandha is a potent herb, one of the most questions about it is, is it suitable for everyone? If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, on any medication, or dealing with a thyroid condition, ashwagandha shouldn’t be consumed by you.

If you’re worried about anything, before you add any potent ingredient into your diet or take any new supplement, you should consult a doctor.

Ready To Add Ashwagandha Into Your Diet?

Now you know just how powerful ashwagandha is, who should take it and how you can easily take it, are you ready to add it into your daily diet?

If you are keen to add ashwagandha into your diet by consuming it in a superfood powder, you might want to have a read of my best super greens powders review to be sure that you’re choosing one of the best ones out there, just be sure that you check that the formula you choose actually contains ashwagandha, because not all do!

As one of the most powerful herbs on the planet, the benefits that come from taking ashwagandha are incredible. So, if you are someone that can take it, there really isn’t a reason not to consume it!