What are ashwagandha's health benefits?

Ashwagandha has several notable health benefits, particularly concerning stress management and overall well-being. Here are the key benefits highlighted by Andrew Huberman on the Huberman Lab:

1. Anxiety Reduction:

   • Ashwagandha exhibits potent anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety as backed by multiple independent studies 1.

2. Cortisol Regulation:

   • It has been shown to significantly reduce cortisol levels (14.5% to 27.9%) in stressed individuals, which is crucial since chronic high cortisol is linked to various negative health outcomes 1 2.

3. Supporting Athletic Performance:

   • Some studies suggest ashwagandha can enhance power output in athletes, making it a supplement of interest for physical performance 1.

4. Cholesterol Management:

   • Ashwagandha may help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, contributing to cardiovascular health improvements 1.

5. Potential Cognitive Benefits:

   • There are indications that it may enhance memory and cognitive function, although the mechanisms are not fully understood 3.
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6. Mood Improvement:

   • It can have mild antidepressant effects, potentially associated with its stress and anxiety-reducing properties 2.

7. Thyroid Function:

   • Ashwagandha may positively influence thyroid hormones, thereby supporting thyroid health 3.

8. Sleep Quality:

   • Unlike some stimulants, ashwagandha is not known to cause insomnia and may actually promote better sleep quality, especially when taken in the evening 3.

It is important to consider safety and individual tolerance when using ashwagandha. Consulting a healthcare provider can help tailor its use to your needs.