Ashwagandha for weight Loss
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Weight gain is a global health condition in the present day, as there is a lot of time to spend on Netflix and physical activity is reduced. You are probably searching for natural medicine because you have gained weight and want to shed some pounds. We will dive deep into the beneficial effects of ashwagandha for weight loss and possible risks or side effects. You may have started the gym from few days and little activity didn’t result in any difference. Diet has a key role in losing weight and according to experts “the role of diet in weight loss is 60% and remaining 40% is workout”.
In order to get a quick weight loss, many people go for weight loss pills which in turn result in various side effects. Why waste your money on purchasing side effects when you have natural herbs that can relieve all your grievances.
Do you know about Indian Ashwagandha, a powerful ayurvedic herb with potent abilities to stimulate weight loss?
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb with a lengthy history of use in the traditional ayuvedic system of medicine. It originated in India, Africa, and the Middle East and is best known for its ability to relieve stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha also provides a cure for various health conditions including arthritis, sleep problems, and neurodegenerative diseases.
This fantastic herb adapts to physical and psychological stress and makes the body easily balance the hormonal system. They adjust according to individual requirements like boosting energy, recovery from physical exertion, reducing adrenal fatigue, and decreasing cortisol levels.
Indian and Chinese soldiers used this rejuvenating herb for thousands of years to boost energy, improve performance, and get fast recovery. Ashwagandha refers to “the smell of horse” meaning that this herb exudes the odor of a horse and provides strength to the body. Despite its use for centuries, ashwagandha become popular in the West in the last 50 years.
In addition to a broad spectrum of benefits, ashwagandha also helps increase weight loss.
Does Ashwagandha Help in weight Loss?
Ashwagandha is highly beneficial for people who opt to lose weight. It shines in antioxidants which speed up metabolism and help in the weight loss process. This incredible adaptogenic herb also enhances immunity and makes your energy burn fat. Ashwagandha is best absorbed with black pepper and many people use honey to assist the weight loss process. Studies are being conducted to know the effects of ashwagandha on weight loss and what’s the mechanism involved in the weight loss process.
It is to be noted that not a single factor or single herb can magically lose your required weight. It becomes possible by considering all the potential factors including medicinal herbs, lifestyle changes, and increased physical activities.
How does it Work?
It is revealed from studies that ashwagandha does not have direct effects on weight but acts indirectly to help increase weight loss. Ashwagandha may help by reducing inflammation, relieving stress levels, and boosting metabolism. It prompts fat burning and helps relieve hypothyroidism which in turn increases weight loss.
Can Speed Up Metabolism
Ashwagandha possesses antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and boost metabolism. It may work by increasing thermogenesis and increased heat production which may increase the metabolic process. Increased metabolism burns body fat ultimately leading to weight loss. Ashwagandha can also improve digestion and promote gut health. It is suggested to take this herb in moderate quantities, large doses may lead to some gastrointestinal problems like stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Relieve Stress
It is noted that chronic psychological stress is greatly associated with other health conditions like cardiac illness, diabetes, and obesity. Stress can alter your eating behaviors, as a negative mood may increase cravings and enhance food intake. In stressful situations, the body increases the production of cortisol hormone which may increase adipose tissues and leads to other metabolic conditions. Chronic stress is also related to reduced physical activity. High-calorie consumption and decreased physical activity are the conditions leading to weight gain.
Ashwagandha is a herb with potent stress relieving and anxiolytic effects. According to a study, 52 individuals with chronic stress were given 300 mg of ashwagandha or a placebo daily for 8 weeks. Cortisol levels, body weight, and BMI were measured. Results showed a significant reduction in body weight, BMI and cortisol levels.
May Help with Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a metabolic condition in which the production of thyroid hormone is decreased. Thyroid hormone has a direct effect on the basal metabolic rate of the body. Lower thyroid hormone decreases metabolic rate which in turn causes weight gain. A study showed that consumption of 600 mg of ashwagandha for 8 weeks resulted in a remarkable reduction in weight gain.
Burn Fat and Increase Weight Loss
When it comes to increasing fat burning and developing muscle mass, ashwagandha is a must-go option. It can increase testosterone levels by 17% and reduce cortisol levels by 28%. Increased testosterone and reduced cortisol levels result in decreasing body fat and increasing muscle mass. Don’t think that it is a “miracle fat burner”, instead you need to increase physical activity and eat a balanced healthy diet.
Improve Energy Levels
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that acts on CNS and improves energy levels. It redirects the energy for fat burning and other body processes. By boosting energy levels, it improves exercise performance and increases fat burning.
Regulate Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha also has potential to regulate blood sugar levels, especially fasting blood glucose which can increase glucose metabolism. High blood sugar levels stimulate the pancreas to release insulin which can cause glucose to store in fat cells. Chronic increase of insulin results in insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes.
Ashwagandha helps regulate blood sugar levels, reduce insulin resistance, prevent accumulation of fat and lower the risk of diabetes.
Boost Immune Health
A healthy immune system helps you lose weight easily instead of a weak immune system in which the body uses all its reserves to restore immunity. A strong immune system helps you fight inflammation which is an important part of the weight loss journey.
How to Take Ashwagandha for Weight Loss?
Ashwagandha is available in powder, capsules, extract and tea which are effective for losing weight, relieving stress, improving sleep quality, and other health conditions. It can be consumed in one or two divided doses after breakfast and other in the evening or at night. It is easily absorbed with black pepper and should be consumed with it.
Possible Risks or Side Effects
- Ashwagandha is usually considered safe to use in moderate quantities as recommended. However, large doses may cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
- In rare cases, it may cause some allergic reactions like skin burning and discoloration.
- Ashwagandha may have abortifacient properties and can cause miscarriage when used in pregnancy. It is advised not to use this herb in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- This incredible herb has the ability to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels and stimulate thyroid hormones. Always take the advice of your health care provider before taking this herb if you are using some prescription medications.
Bottom Line
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for its healing and stress-relieving properties. It is high in antioxidants and offers a wide array of health benefits like relieving stress, boosting energy, and increasing exercise performance. In addition to these benefits, ashwagandha help increases fat burning and weight loss.
Here you can check out Vorst’s Ashwagandha 500mg, Premium Ashwagandha with Black Pepper along with Ashwagandha Gummies.
References
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