Introduction
This article explores how Ashwagandha benefits for female weight loss. Ashwagandha also known as “Indian ginseng” or “winterberry” has been used in traditional medicines in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha for its various health benefits. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a shrub grown for medicinal purposes. Major parts of the plant such as roots, fruits, and leaves are used due to their potential health benefits. Mostly the roots are used for therapeutic purposes in medicines. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is called “Rasayana”, an herb that rejuvenates the body and mind.
Hormones usually impact women’s health during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Adding ashwagandha into your routine can help reduce stress, support metabolic functions, enhancing mood and energy levels.
Researchers have reported that ashwagandha is beneficial for reducing human stress and anxiety. Studies suggest, that Ashwagandha root extract can be helpful for body weight management, especially for people suffering from chronic stress supporting physical and mental well-being.
READ MORE: Top 11 Causes of Sudden Weight Loss In Women
Nutritional Profile
Ashwagandha roots are enriched with protein, carbohydrates, fiber, iron, calcium, carotene, and vitamin C. It also contains antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols that help prevent or repair damage caused by free radicals.
Ashwagandha Benefits for Female Weight Loss
Common challenges faced by females in their weight loss journey are due to hormonal imbalances, stress impacting appetite, and leading to weight gain. Weight issues related to emotional eating and fatigue. It’s necessary to deal with the root causes of weight gain rather than focusing only on calorie deficit food. Studies suggest Ashwagandha can aid in weight loss for women. Here is how ashwagandha benefits for female weight loss goals.
1. Lowers Cortisol Levels and Stress
- As per clinical studies, stress has been linked to weight gain and obesity. Chronic stress increases cortisol levels systemically, increasing the tendency to overeat and leading to increased visceral abdominal fat accumulation and other metabolic syndrome.
- Ashwagandha plant roots are used as an adaptogen in Ayurveda medicines to combat the negative effects of stress.
- Ashwagandha helps normalize cortisol levels reducing stress, and anxiety. It reduces emotional eating patterns and helps reduce weight. Thus, improve psychological and physical well-being.
2. Boost Energy
- Ashwagandha provides stamina and strengthens muscles. This helps you remain consistent with your exercise routines, aids in weight loss and burns more calories efficiently.
- It boosts your energy levels, keeping you active throughout the day. It also helps you stick to your calorie-deficit diet plan, helping in weight loss goals.
3. Improves Metabolism
- Ashwagandha helps reduce inflammation, boost metabolism, and aid in burning the stored fat accumulated in your body.
- Improved metabolism speeds up weight loss, increases muscle mass, and sustains good health.
4. Improves Sleep Quality
- Poor sleep can disturb hormone balance, slow metabolism, increase stress and may lead to weight gain.
- Ashwagandha has the potential to improve sleep quality, help the body return to a state of relaxation, improve stress resilience, balance hormonal levels, improve metabolism and hence aid in weight loss goals.
5. Strengthens Immunity
- Low immunity may cause chronic inflammation in the body, leading to weight gain, hormonal imbalance, and insulin resistance.
- Studies suggest that the antioxidants in Ashwagandha can help reduce inflammation overall systemically, boost immunity, improve metabolism, and encourage fat loss helping in the weight loss journey.
Dosage
A Daily dose of 300mg to 600mg of ashwagandha root extract is recommended for anxiety, insomnia, stress, and weight loss. It is available in capsule, tablet, and powder form. A teaspoon of powdered ashwagandha can be consumed by mixing it with a glass of milk or added to honey, or ghee (clarified butter) for optimum results.
Precautions
- While Ashwagandha is considered safe for therapeutic purposes, some people may experience some mild side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, and stomach upset.
- Avoid consuming ashwagandha for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, hyperthyroidism, or suffering from liver disease. It may not be safe for people with prostate cancer.
- Ashwagandha may interact with thyroid hormone medicines, antidiabetics, immunosuppressants, sedatives, and antihypertensive medications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ashwagandha benefits for female weight loss are linked with comprehensive and a scientifically supported approach. As per research, Ashwagandha is known to reduce stress, balance hormones, offer quality sleep, boost energy levels, and regulate cortisol levels in the body as a result which helps to boost metabolism promoting fat loss in your body.
Ashwagandha can be more beneficial when integrated with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and meditation consistently into your routine. Modern research says Ashwagandha contains bio-active components having antidepressant, anxiolytic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties which can enhance cognitive functions, and increase muscle strength and physical performance promoting weight loss efficiently.
However, it’s important to consult your healthcare physician before beginning with ashwagandha, particularly for those who are under any medical condition or taking any medications.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Is Ashwagandha good for losing belly fat?
Ans: Yes, Ashwagandha can help lose belly fat. Increased abdominal fat accumulation is associated with elevated cortisol levels. Ashwagandha can help reduce abdominal fat by lowering cortisol levels and regulating stress.
Q2. What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?
Ans: Taking ashwagandha regularly provides us with potential benefits such as
- Improves sleep quality
- Lowers anxiety and stress
- Strengthens immune system
- Boost energy levels
- Increases muscle strength
- Improve cognitive function
- Reduce inflammation
- Aids weight loss
- Boost Immunity
Q3: Does ashwagandha help skin?
Ans: Yes, Ashwagandha is rich in antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation, protect the skin from oxidative damage, reduce hyperpigmentation, lower the appearance of wrinkles on the face, and promote healthier skin.
Q4: Who should not take Ashwagandha?
Ans: Individuals taking medications for liver conditions, kidney problems, hyperthyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, or Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women should avoid taking ashwagandha. People suffering from thyroid disorders, stomach ulcers, diabetes, and hypertension should be cautious and consult a doctor before including them in their routine.
Q5. How quickly does Ashwagandha work?
Ans: Ashwagandha may vary from a few days to a couple of weeks depending upon the severity of individual health conditions. To experience significant results it may take around 2 to 4 weeks when taken consistently.
References
Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871210/#abstract1
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)—Current Research on the Health-Promoting Activities: A Narrative Review
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10147008/#abstract1
Body Weight Management in Adults Under Chronic Stress Through Treatment With Ashwagandha Root Extract
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871210/
Safety of Ashwagandha Root Extract: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, study in Healthy Volunteers
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229920319099
Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Ashwagandha-HealthProfessional/
