Its botanical name knows ashwagandha as Withania somnifera. It is further known as winter cherry or Indian ginseng. The benefits of ashwagandha for weight loss are multiple. Ashwagandha benefits weight loss in distinct ways. This adaptogen herb adds enormous value for weight loss programs.
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States and worldwide. Many of its health benefits are associated with its high concentration of withanolides in ashwagandha, which have been shown to fight inflammation.
Besides, antioxidant steroidal alkaloids and lactones also fight stress and lower cortisol directly implicated in weight loss. Let’s learn about the benefits of ashwagandha for weight loss and the ways this magical herb can avert obesity.
Nutrient composition of Ashwagandha root powder per 100grams is as follows:
| Moisture | 7.45% |
| Protein | 3.9 grams |
| Fat | 0.3 grams |
| Crude Fiber | 32.3 grams |
| Energy | 245 Kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 49.9 grams |
| Iron | 3.3 milligrams |
| Calcium | 23 milligrams |
| Total carotene | 75.7 μg |
| Vitamin | 5.8 milligrams |
Ashwagandha(1) has natural antioxidants, which improve overall health and promote a high degree of fat burning. It is also a natural antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory agent, which improves immune system functioning.
When the immune system is compromised, fat burning becomes less critical for the body. Consequently, weight loss comes to a standstill until the body recovers. Ashwagandha boosts immunity and reduces inflammation, being iron-rich, and improving blood circulation.
Further, antioxidants in ashwagandha speed up the metabolic rate, decreasing inflammation, and reducing stored body fat.
Weight gain signals increased cortisol, which stimulates glucose production. In contrast, the herb ashwagandha for weight loss relieves associated stress and cortisol buildup. Ashwagandha also regulates the adrenal and cortisol levels, increasing overall energy and boosting intense workouts.
This adaptogen herb helps in building muscle mass, boosting metabolism, and sustaining healthy weight loss. Ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels by 26% and boosts the metabolic rate by increasing the conversion of the T4 hormone into T3 to boost the metabolic rate and fight unwanted weight gain.
Insulin response to elevated cortisol levels is also moderated by ashwagandha, benefits for weight loss resulting from the power of this ayurvedic herb to improve insulin sensitivity. It lowers bad cholesterol and high blood sugar levels, helping in weight loss.
[ Read: How to Lose Weight Naturally? ]
Ashwagandha is available in powder, leaves, capsule form. It can be added to beverages like milk or honey.
Ashwagandha powder is made by grinding dried leaves. The powder can be kept in airtight storage to preserve it for a longer time. Ashwagandha can be taken to reduce weight effectively. The herb can be made in one teaspoon along with a cup of milk at night.
Take 100 ml of milk and a teaspoon of ashwagandha powder. 100 ml of water and one teaspoon brown sugar should be mixed in the pan. Boiling the mixture on low flame till it reduces to a half, the mixture should be drunk lukewarm.
Ashwagandha tea with cardamom can be beneficial, too.
[ Read: Herbs for Weight Loss ]
Ashwagandha is an effective way to accelerate weight loss. Leaves help because they offer endless health benefits which help the body to fight stress and pollution. The herb can be drunk with water, as a tea, or in a beverage, Around 3-4 leaves of ashwagandha in glasses of water or cups of tea works well.
The herbal root helps in weight loss, slimming down by reducing cortisol(2) and increasing overall energy or improving with thyroid regulation. Another way to consume the root is by making the tea. Boiling the herb root in water, let it simmer for 15 minutes and then filter the drink. Consume one-fourth glass of the beverage every day.
Ashwagandha roots can also be taken as supplements in powdered, capsule or extract form.
Ashwagandha benefits for weight loss are many. The adaptogenic herb contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients for combating weight loss directly, as well as indirectly. While supplements for weight loss containing ashwagandha should be FDA certified, ensure that you use this herbal remedy under medical supervision.
[ Read: Cinnamon for Weight Loss Help ]
Ashwagandha for losing weight helps in warding off obesity, but there are side effects like upset stomach, dizziness, decreased blood sugar levels, auto-immune diseases, allergies, and fevers.
Always take the right dosage of the herb. Use a supplement prescribed by the doctor if it is taking place for a long time. You should take precautions such as taking a glass full of water, consulting your doctor while taking medication, or taking digestive aids along with ashwagandha.