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Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb from India that belongs to the Solanaceae family. Ashwagandha was first introduced to the Western world in 1910 when Raddi-Fischbacher & Hochstetter discovered its effects and uses in Indian traditional medicine, especially for treating anxiety, depression, and nervousness conditions. Know more about the Health Benefits of Ashwagandha.
Ashwagandha’s main active components include steroidal lactones, withaferin A, sitoindoside VII, withanoside VI, and withanolides. This supplement is rich in antioxidants due to its high content of Vitamin C and polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, which help protect cells and maintain immunity. Also, Ashwagandhas has high calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, and copper levels. These elements play a role in detoxification, cellular respiration, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, and DNA replication.
The health benefits of Ashwagandha include the following:
Antioxidants – Ashwagandha has the highest antioxidant capacity among all herbs and spices, making it great for preventing free radical damage and degenerative disease. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause chain reactions in the body, leading to premature aging and illness. Antioxidants neutralize these harmful molecules before they can do any harm.
Immunity – Ashwagandh as immune system boosting properties make it popular for maintaining healthy immune systems. When stressed, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that weakens the immune system. However, ashwagandha helps reduce cortisol levels and reduces anxiety, helping to boost the immune system and prevent chronic illnesses.
Heart Health – Ashwagandha is high amounts of cholesterol-reducing compounds that may lower cholesterol levels in people who suffer from cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack, and stroke. Studies show Ashwagandhas has antioxidant properties that may help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Metabolism – Ashwagandha as adaptogenic properties may promote physical endurance and endurance in stressful situations. An adaptogen is a type of substance that enhances the body’s ability to adjust to external stimuli. Ashwagandha may increase blood flow and oxygen supply to organs involved in digestion, thereby increasing their efficiency. Thus, ashwagandhas have appetite suppression property makes them ideal for dieters.
Nervous System – Ashwagandha-rich concentrations of histamine-neutralizing agents may provide relief for those suffering from allergies, asthma, hay fever, and dermatitis. Histamines cause inflammation in the body by triggering allergic responses. They also cause itching and swelling in the skin. Over time, histamines build up in the body, causing respiratory disorders such as bronchial asthma, sinus congestion, and food sensitivities.
Overall Wellness – Ashwagandha possesses several positive effects on the body. One study showed ashwagandhas antioxidant activity might help relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. Another study demonstrated ashwagandhas has anti-inflammatory properties that may help treat rheumatoid arthritis.
