Beyond Bodybuilding: Ayurvedic Benefits of Ashwagandha

Beyond Bodybuilding Ayurvedic Benefits of Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an ancient Ayurvedic herb that has been used for thousands of years to treat an array of diseases and ailments. It is loaded with health benefits and therefore, it aids in the treatment of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and more. However, in recent years, Ashwagandha has become widely popular for its effectiveness in increasing muscle mass. It has become one of the most popular supplements for bodybuilders.

Bodybuilding requires great muscle strength and Ashwagandha provides a natural outlet to achieve this strength. It also helps in building muscle mass and reducing body fat. Due to these virtues, Ashwagandha has become a boon to bodybuilders as it is a natural and healthy way to achieve these benefits. However, Ashwagandha is not only beneficial in bodybuilding but also to treat various diseases and disorders. There are numerous health benefits of Ashwagandha mentioned in Ayurveda.  

What are the Other Benefits of Ashwagandha?

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Controls Blood Sugar Levels

Ashwagandha can significantly help in controlling blood sugar levels of the body. It stimulates insulin production and improves insulin sensitivity in the body, thus controlling blood sugar levels. 

Manages Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha is known to reduce the levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for inducing stress and anxiety. By effectively reducing cortisol, it helps the body to manage stress and stress-related disorders. Ashwagandha has also been proven highly beneficial in fighting depression.

Boosts Fertility in Men

One of the most widely known uses of Ashwagandha is in the sexual health of men. Ashwagandha boosts the levels of testosterone in the body and promotes reproductive health. It also helps the body to balance hormones. Hormonal imbalance is one of the leading causes of infertility in men.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is one of the main causes of various gastrointestinal diseases and metabolic disorders. Ashwagandha helps to reduce chronic inflammation in the body and treat various inflammatory diseases such as varicose veins, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.  

Improves Heart Health

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Ashwagandha is one of the best remedies to reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation in the body, thereby preventing many cardiovascular diseases. It further boosts heart health by reducing blood pressure and easing chest pain.

Helps in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

In neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, some parts of the brain and its connective paths become damaged, leading to memory loss. Ashwagandha is one of the best herbs to boost memory. Hence, it helps to delay or prevent the loss of memory in Alzheimer’s disease. The antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha also aid in fighting the free radicals that tend to damage nerve cells in the body. 

Helps in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ashwagandha has two-fold effects in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Firstly, it acts as a pain reliever and therefore helps in dealing with the disease. Secondly, as rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, the strong anti-inflammatory properties of Ashwagandha significantly aid in the treatment of the disease.

Helps in the Treatment of Cancer

Ashwagandha is known to impede the growth of cancerous cells in the body. It inhibits the growth of new blood cells and cuts down on their nourishment, causing cancerous cells to die. 

Helps in Losing Weight

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Ashwagandha enhance the metabolic function of the body and boost the digestive system, thereby aiding in weight loss. Ashwagandha also boosts the immune system and therefore redirects energy towards losing weight.  

Improves Sleep

Triethylene glycol present in Ashwagandha significantly helps in inducing sleep in the body and preventing insomnia. Ashwagandha also reduces cortisol levels and helps in stress management, which is extremely important for better quality sleep. 

Takeaway

Ashwagandha is one of the best herbs to strengthen the muscles and increase muscle mass. It is probably the best natural supplement for bodybuilders. However, in light of this virtue, we cannot forget the other health benefits of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha is a herb that aids in the treatment of many diseases and can be used for various purposes. 

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Dr. Ashwini Konnur

Dr. Ashwini has 17 years of experience in Clinical Practice, Research & Education in the field of Ayurveda with competency in acute & chronic conditions & lifestyle diseases. She has also expertise in treating Female Infertility disorders, other Gynecological Problems & General disorders along with specialised focus in Ayurvedic detoxification therapies, Panchakarma & other Ayurvedic treatments

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