Ashwagandha is a herb commonly grown in Africa and Asia for its potential medicinal abilities. It is classified as an adaptogen, which may help to relax the brain and reduce stress. Adaptogens have other benefits, like possibly reducing physical stress and possibly treating conditions like insomnia, obesity, and anxiety. Instead of getting the herb itself, you can take supplements, thanks to science. Dietary supplements combine ashwagandha with other ingredients like magnesium, selenium, vitamin B, reishi mushrooms, and 5HTP.
Ashwagandha and 5htp make dietary supplements that may help to raise serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is believed to be vital in stabilizing moods, eating, digestion, and sleeping. In addition, serotonin may help to reduce depression, maintain body growth, promote wound healing, and reduce anxiety.
The dosage of ashwagandha depends on the supplements you are taking.
Health Benefits of Ashwagandha
Intake of Ashwagandha may be linked to several health benefits, which are:
Reducing Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Research suggests that dietary intake of Ashwagandha may help to reduce stress levels and anxiety. In addition, Ashwagandha and 5HTP have similar effects to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressants. As such, these supplements may help treat mild to moderate depression.
In addition, Ashwagandha and 5HTP may help persons with migraines or other types of headaches. However, the studies on the matter are still ongoing
Improving Athletic Performance
Ashwagandha may help to reduce physical stress on the muscles. Intake of this supplement by athletes is believed to improve performance, increase oxygen use while exercising, and improve strength.
Ashwagandha and 5HTP may help resolve symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is muscle pain and tenderness. Symptoms of fibromyalgia may include fatigue, pain, and stiffness. In addition, people with fibromyalgia may tend to have low serotonin levels.
Improving Sleep
Ashwagandha and 5HTP may promote good sleep and rest in some. Insomnia is a sleeping disorder associated with difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Intake of Ashwagandha and 5HTP dietary supplements stimulates serotonin, which could possibly help you sleep quicker and more deeply.
Depending on the physician’s recommendation, you may improve your sleeping pattern and habits in 6-12 weeks.
It Boosts Testosterone Levels
Ashwagandha may help boost testosterone levels in two ways. First, ashwagandha may have antioxidative properties, hence protecting the testes from oxidative damage. When the testes are protected, the production of testosterone may increase.
The other way ashwagandha may increase testosterone production is by stimulating the production of luteinizing hormone. Luteinizing hormone activation in men triggers the production of testosterone. Ashwagandha intake may be associated with increased semen volume, sperm motility, and semen concentration, improving male fertility.
Improve Memory
Intake of ashwagandha and 5HTP may help improve cognitive brain functions. Cognitive functions include attention span, execution, attention, memory, psychomotor speed, and reaction time. In addition, ashwagandha may help to possibly prevent dementia or cognitive decline.
Bottom Line
Incorporating ashwagandha and 5HTP dietary supplements into your diet may benefit your body. However, involving your physician before deciding to include these supplements in your diet is essential. Research on the long-term intake of ashwagandha and 5HTP is still ongoing.
READ MORE: Tips To Improve Your Keno Skills
