Ashwagandha (pronounced: aash-wuh-gaan-duh), is an ancient herb that’s still used today to improve physical and mental wellness. In my previous article, I’ve covered some of its benefits and how it helps with stress, depression, anxiety, insulin levels and inflammation. You’d be surprised how much more it can do and why it’s considered the “magic herb” for self-development. Let’s start where we’ve left off:
5. Memory Boost and Cognitive Enhancement:
In a randomized study conducted on 50 adults (1), Ashwagandha was found to improve memory functions significantly. The study participants who received Ashwagandha supplements had higher scores in visual memory, information processing speed, and executive function of the brain.
6. Regulates Sleep Patterns and Increase GABA Levels
Unlike sleeping pills, which can make you feel drowsy all day, Ashwagandha works by balancing your body's natural sleep cycles. By encouraging a balance between the excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters in your brain, Ashwagandha can help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed.
Ashwagandha has been found to increase GABA (2,3) levels in the brain. Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter that helps the mind relax and promotes sleep. reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. By doing so, it supports a deeper sleep and better sleep quality.
7. Beneficial for Heart Health
This herb helps to lower high blood pressure, one of the leading risk factors for heart disease. This is because it contains bioactive compounds called withanolides, that have a relaxing effect on blood vessels. (4)
Ashwagandha has also been shown enhance heart muscle function, improve blood circulation and reduce levels of total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. (5)
8. Boosting Testosterone and Overall Men's Health
Studies have shown that ashwagandha has a positive impact on testosterone levels in men. In one study, men who took ashwagandha supplements for 90 days had a 15% increase (6) in testosterone levels compared to those who took a placebo. Also, it was found that the participants had a 167% increase (7) in sperm count, which shows how beneficial ashwagandha can be for men's reproductive health.
In conclusion: Ashwagandha alone is an awesome herb that has been proven to be beneficial for the mind and body: from cognitive function to testosterone and reproductive health for men. It’s also most effective when combined with other herbs and vitamins in supplements to ultimately enhance your overall well-being. So, give ashwagandha a try and see how it can help you on your journey of self-development.
This website contains some links to affiliate websites and I receive an affiliate commission for any purchase made to the affiliate website by clicking the links in on this website.
Sources:
Comments