Ashwagandha benefits

Ashwagandha has several notable benefits, particularly in managing stress and enhancing overall health. Here are the key points based on insights from Andrew Huberman:

1. Anxiolytic Effects: Ashwagandha is recognized for its significant anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties. It has been shown in multiple studies to effectively reduce anxiety levels in individuals 1.

2. Cortisol Reduction: The herb can lead to a reduction in cortisol levels, with studies indicating a decrease of 14.5% to 27.9% in healthy but stressed individuals. This is a substantial effect compared to other supplements 1.

3. Support for Athletic Performance: Ashwagandha has been used to improve power output in athletes, making it beneficial for enhancing physical performance 1.

4. Testosterone and Cholesterol Modulation: It has been found to modestly increase testosterone levels and improve cholesterol profile, particularly reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 1.

5. Additional Health Benefits: Beyond stress and performance, Ashwagandha may also contribute to improved cardiovascular health, lower heart palpitations, and decreased symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) 2.

6. Sleep Improvement: Taking Ashwagandha later in the day might help improve sleep quality without causing insomnia; it can be taken before sleep for those dealing with chronic stress and sleep issues 2.

While Ashwagandha is generally safe, it is important to consult healthcare professionals regarding its use, particularly for long-term administration, which may have varying effects depending on individual health conditions 3.