Nope, it’s not raw, dark chocolate, although I recommend that, too. And it’s not Vitamin D or B-12, although most of you probably need more than you’re getting from sunlight or meat. It’s an Ayurvedic herb called Ashwagandha that’s been used in Asia for hundreds of years.
Why should I use something I can’t even pronounce?
Great question! It’s important to always read ingredient lists on packages and to be very wary of chemicals you can’t pronounce and those your grandmother didn’t use in her cooking. But this is an exception.
Ashwagandha has undergone hundreds of clinical trials and the range of conditions that it can help is amazing. It can revitalize your energy, reduce the effects of aging and even reverse disease. It basically accomplishes all this by destroying the free radicals which are generated by inflammation, which protects against cellular damage. It also strengthens the immune system.
Reduces stress and improves mood.
Studies point to a significant reduction in anxiety and depression, partly because Ashwaghanda reduces your body’s levels of serum cortisol. Studies showed better results with Ashwagandha than with several common pharmaceutical drugs used to treat depression and anxiety, with no side effects. The herb also treats insomnia and helps you sleep better, so you might try this instead of conventional sleeping pills or if you just want to improve the quality of your sleep.
Prevents brain degeneration.
We can usually see and feel the effects of getting older—less energy, less mobility, less cartilage, more weight to carry around, cellulite and wrinkles. What we can’t see or feel is what’s going on inside of our brain, but our brains are changing all the time. Physical, chemical, and emotional stress all take their toll on the nervous system.
One study examining mice with induced Alzheimer’s showed that after three weeks on Ashwagandha, they improved dramatically and were able to retain what they learned. Researchers discovered a reduction in amyloid plaques which cause degradation of the brain.
Improves thyroid function.
Ashwagandha contains something called adaptogens which help balance hormones, whether you are hypo (sluggish) or hyper (overactive) thyroid. It can help with both ends of the spectrum—Hashimotos or Graves’ disease—and with anyone who needs endocrine support.
Combats cancer.
Ashwagandha extract has demonstrated clinical success in reducing malignant tumors and, thus, has been used to both treat and prevent cancer. It works by inhibiting cancer cells–especially breast, lung, stomach, and colon–from multiplying. Studies show that people treated with the herb have an increase in white blood cells which the body needs to fend off the harmful invaders. Ashwagandha also blocks blood vessels around cancer cells from feeding tumors.
Due to its amazing ability to strengthen the immune system, Ashwagandha is now prescribed by doctors to counter the ill effects of chemo, one of which is the suppression of the immune system. Cancer patients are at higher risk of infection during chemo because their white blood cells plummet. This herb can actually bring the levels back up.
Taking Ashwagandha is a fantastic way to recharge after any illness because of its immune boosting properties.
Boosts energy and endurance.
Athletes love Ashwagandha. It provides extra energy and enhances stamina and endurance. It also stabilizes blood sugar, and you sure don’t want to crash if you’re training or performing.
Need any more reasons to take Ashwagandha?
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