Ashwagandha is one of the most ancient and important ayurvedic herbs which has been a part of alternative medicine in India.
Having been used for over 3000 years, it has been known best for its role In relieving stress, improving stamina and metabolism and improving concentration.
Along with being associated with properties like anti-stress, adaptogenic activities, it is also known to reduce the risks of heart disease and known to stabilize blood sugars.
Diabetes and Ashwagandha
Diabetes is a disease that is characterized by a dysfunctional carbohydrate metabolism in the body that leads to excessive sugar in the blood and an increased secretion of insulin followed by the onset of insulin resistance. It is considered a growing health threat globally, with it being a cause for most renal and cardiovascular disease risks.
In several studies, ashwagandha has been seen to lower blood sugar levels in both-people with uncontrollable diabetes as well as people with healthy blood sugar profile.
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In some animal based studies with type-2 diabetes it was found that hyperglycemia could be reduced and insulin sensitivity improved when supplemented with ashwagandha. Other researches have also confirmed that ashwagandha plays some role in lowering cholesterol levels.
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In the results of a clinical trial published in 2009, it was demonstrated that oral administration of a mix. Of ashwagandha with another herb shilajit markedly reduced the fasting sugar levels in diabetics.
There is no denying that the whole body reacts in its own different ways to different levels of stress. One of the direct influencers for blood sugar levels is stress. Under conditions of stress, the adrenal glands increase the secretion of cortisol which is a stress hormone. This in turn can pump up the insulin levels too high to cause fluctuations on your blood sugar levels. In a long term situation, if the body keeps releasing high levels of cortisol on a regular basis, it may result in high insulin release and ultimately result in insulin resistance by the body’s cell.
This is where the effect of ashwagandha pitches in. Its ability to induce calmness and clarity by regulation of neurotransmitters helps control stress and the consequential stress-inducing hormones levels.
Takeaway note:
In essence, ashwagandha as a powerful ayurvedic herb works in various areas to help heal the body, overall. Apart from being anti-depressant, anti-stress adaptogen it has also been deemed useful for the reduction of cholesterol levels by limiting the VLDL and LDL cholesterol and improving anemia. One oif the reasons why it is gaining more popularity is due to its role in helping cope with type-2 diabetes, with growing incidences of the diseases worldwide and nation wide as well. While ashwagandha has beneficial properties to impart on its own, the best results are obtained by using it as a herb in combination with other beneficial herbs that work synergistically to enhance the body’s optimum functioning.
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Last modified: October 24, 2017
