Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is a wonder remedy in the Ayurvedic arsenal. And now it looks like ashwagandha could hold the key to your weight-loss woes too. Its adaptogenic, stress-busting effects not only make it a good weight-loss aid but can also help you with your fitness goals.
Ashwagandha For Weight Loss
Beat Stress-Related Weight Gain
Whether you’re struggling to lose weight and stressing about it or binge eating to beat stress, it’s time to consider the possibility that the two might actually be connected. Too much cortisol in the body has been linked to weight gain, nervous eating, and muscle loss. As experts explain, this “survival hormone” triggers a hunger response as it stimulates glucose production. And stress-related weight gain tends to cause fat to accumulate around the belly.
Ashwagandha works at an elemental level to help you cope better with stress. If your stress levels are under control, you are less likely to binge eat. Studies have shown that the herbal remedy is particularly beneficial for those who have a tendency to eat either too little or too much when environmental stress levels rise. Its adaptogenic properties help regulate the “stress hormone” cortisol levels in the body. According to research, taking ashwagandha could help you reduce cortisol levels by nearly 28 percent.1
Give Metabolism A Boost
The antioxidants found in ashwagandha help the body burn fat better and improve overall vitality by revving up your metabolism. For some people, excess body weight is a result of a malfunctioning thyroid. Your thyroid regulates your metabolic rate as well as fat, carbohydrate, vitamin, and protein metabolism. Ashwagandha stimulates the production of T4 thyroid hormone from your thyroid, enabling your basal metabolic rate (BMR) to remain high.
If you have hypothyroidism, the sluggish performance of the thyroid causes the scales to creep up as you pack on extra pounds. Ashwagandha can mitigate some of this by triggering the production of T4, allowing metabolism to improve and the weight to drop. Animal studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of ashwagandha root extract on stimulating the thyroid.2
Boost Immunity, Burn Fat
When the body’s immunity is compromised, weight loss generally halts as the body focuses on restoring normalcy rather than burning excess fat. When it is in this survival mode, it is hard to lose weight. As an antimicrobial, ashwagandha can improve your immunity and help weight loss progress unhindered.
Inflammation is also quite commonly seen in people who are overweight. While getting fitter, fighting this inflammation is also important. Ashwagandha helps you do exactly that.3
Overcome Fatigue And Improve Circulation
Ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, like its Chinese counterpart, is famous for its ability to energize and bring vigor and vitality to those taking it. By doing away with persistent fatigue, you will feel much more open to exercising. Staying active is an important part of any weight-loss regimen and Indian ginseng can put your body in the right zone to work out. One study of cyclists found that ashwagandha consumption improved their aerobic performance, cardiorespiratory, and cardiovascular endurance.4
What’s more, due to the high iron content in this herbal remedy, your body will be able to create more red blood cells and your blood circulation will get the shot in the arm it needs.5
How To Take Ashwagandha
Interestingly, Ashwagandha leaves hold the best weight-loss related benefits, not the roots. The leaves may be used crushed mixed with water and consumed daily. You could also take an ashwagandha supplement available from Ayurvedic practitioners or in specialty medical stores.
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The roots, when used along with other adaptogens, can amplify the effects of the treatment, aiding weight loss. Rhodiola rosea and eleuthero is one such pairing that works with ashwagandha.6
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