Ashwagandha’s role in weight loss: Ashwagandha is a shrub that is found in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Its roots and orange-red fruit have been used for hundreds of years for medicinal purposes. The herb is also called Indian ginseng or winter cherry. The herb is considered one of the most important herbs in the Ayurvedic medicine system. The main constituents present in Ashwagandha are alkaloids and steroidal lactones which includes cuscohygrine and atropine. The leaves of Ashwagandha consist of steroidal lactones, withanolides, notably withaferin A. Ayurvedic medicine uses herbs, special diets, and other natural practices as a treatment for a variety of conditions. In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is considered a Rasayana. Learn all about Ashwagandha and weight loss here!
An ancient herb that helps in weight loss
A herb for mental and physical youth!
That means it’s an herb that helps maintain youth, both mentally and physically. The roots of ashwagandha can treat many problems arthritis, constipation, insomnia, skin conditions, stress, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, nervous breakdowns, fever, memory loss etc. The leaves, seeds, and even fruit have all been used in different ways for various treatments. Ashwagandha may be used in powdered form in dosages ranging from 450 milligrams to 2 grams. You can buy it in capsules, powders, or as a liquid extract from health food or supplement stores.
Ashwagandha and weight loss
Ashwagandha, a popular Ayurvedic herb, has been shown to support weight loss. It is a powerful antioxidant and contributes to a strong immune system. That is why it has been traditionally used in tonics for enhancing vitality and general health. It also boosts libido and has a positive effect on fertility. Ashwagandha effectively lowers elevated cortisol levels. It regulates blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity. Training or dieting for too long without down-shifting for recovery can cause symptoms of over-training, such as muscle loss, decreased energy, weakened immune function and decreased metabolic rate, which can cause stress and lead to weight gain. Ashwagandha seems to naturally boost energy levels by supporting the central nervous system. Ashwagandha works by balancing and optimizing hormones. Hormones are key to understanding the process of fat loss.
Cortisol
Cortisol is a hormone, which is secreted by your adrenal glands in response to stress. It is involved in the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates into energy. When you are dealing with elevated cortisol levels, your body starts to store more fat. Cortisol even affects where you are putting on weight. People with increased cortisol levels tend to develop more abdominal fat than hip fat. This kind of fat is much more harmful to health as it promotes the development of chronic disease, related to metabolic syndrome.
Blood sugar levels and Ashwagandha
As well as lowering cortisol levels, ashwagandha helps weight loss by decreasing fasting blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin sensitivity. Both these effects together contribute to better blood sugar control and easier weight management. It seems that ashwagandha is an effective weight loss aid, especially for people who are already suffering some effects of the metabolic syndrome.
No adverse effects of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha usually doesn’t cause adverse side effects. In some cases, though, it causes mild gastrointestinal discomfort. That is why it is best if you take your supplement with meals. If you are pregnant, you shouldn’t take ashwagandha as it can trigger a miscarriage.
Increase in body fat with an increase in cortisol
The increased level of cortisol and decreased level of testosterone can lead to a serious health condition that includes increased body fat and obesity. This gets worst at the time of menopause and andropause when the level of testosterone naturally gets low. Cortisol concentration and body weight are interrelated in people that suffer from obesity and people with an increased level of cortisol face difficulties in losing weight despite dieting. Moreover, low testosterone level causes weight gain in men. Ashwagandha and weight loss/gain go hand in hand!
Increase in body weight may occur with this
It’s also possible to gain weight while taking Ashwagandha. It all depends on what you do while taking it and how you live. For weight loss, along with taking ashwagandha, you should walk and do exercise then only it will be useful to the body and contribute to weight loss. You should also eat well and healthy and preferable to take the roots of ashwagandha with your breakfast. We hope you found this article on Ashwagandha and weight loss super useful. Let us know your views!