Also known by the name of Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, and winter cherry, ashwagandha bolsters the body’s nourishment, enhances your mood and ameliorates your physical as well as mental health by strengthening your endocrine and nervous systems. 

Part of its benefits can be credited to the dry and poor quality environment in which it grows. Belonging to the nightshade family, several parts of ashwagandha can be used along with its seeds, fruits and even roots. With that said, let’s look at some of the most endearing health benefits of ashwagandha for men that will leave you speechless. 

8 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

Here are some of the health benefits of ashwagandha:

1. Improves memory and cognitive abilities

In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is largely used for improving one’s memory because it bolsters antioxidant activities that shield the nerve cells from perilous free radicals. In addition, the root of ashwagandha also helps in focus and consequently, task performance. 

2. Cardiac endurance/performance

Cardiac endurance/performance is primarily associated with intense physical activities such as running, swimming, cycling, etc. To carry out such activities for a prolonged period, stamina is required. According to a study conducted on elite Indian cyclists, it was revealed that a majority of them showed positive results regarding cardiac performance upon taking this herb. 

3. Reduction in stress and anxiety

Ashwagandha contains withaferin A and withanolide A, two of the primary ingredients which mimic GABA, an amino acid. This amino acid calms your nervous system and thereby, reduces your anxiety. 

Not only that, but ashwagandha also helps in reducing the cortisol levels of your body which spike when you are under stress or pressure. As mentioned earlier, apart from managing your cortisol levels, ashwagandha will also help in sharpening your nervous system and making it more tranquil than before. 

4. Increases the testosterone levels in your body

Believe it or not, ashwagandha can boost your sex life. Traditionally, ashwagandha was used to ameliorate a man’s sexual performance and libido due to its extraordinary properties.

As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha regulates the cortisol levels in your body which spike when you are under stress and pressure. This helps in calming your nervous system and improving your focus while you’re in the moment. In addition to this, it also bolsters the production of anabolic hormones such as testosterone and DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone. For those who don’t know, DHEA is a male sex hormone that is considered to be a precursor of androgens in men. 

As a result, ashwagandha helps in increasing sperm count and ameliorating its motility. 

5. Gives you a good night’s sleep

Do you struggle to get a good, satisfactory night’s sleep which certainly does not include tossing and turning in your bed? If yes, then your body certainly needs this herb. 

More often than not, when the cortisol levels of your body are spiked, you feel more stressed than usual which hinders you from getting a good quality sleep. Now, as mentioned earlier as one of the most indispensable ashwagandha benefits, this Indian herb will certainly reduce these cortisol levels and give you an indelible sleep. 

Part of its features can be credited to one of its primary components, trimethylene glycol which induces sleep. Resultantly, if you consistently consume it, you might successfully eradicate the problem of insomnia.  

6. Reduces the risk of prostate cancer

The problem of prostate cancer among men has become an extremely commonplace issue due to the habits of today’s modernised and industrialised world. As mentioned earlier, ashwagandha contains withaferin A which is one of its active ingredients. This ingredient helps in arresting the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate gland and thereby aid in the treatment of prostate cancer. Now, this is one of the most amazing health benefits of ashwagandha for men, right?

Although ashwagandha is far from being a cure, it still goes a long way to prevent further deterioration of your body and escalates the treatment that you are seeking for it. It also ameliorates your recovery rates. 

7. Improves your immunity

According to the research conducted by the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, taking a small amount of ashwagandha root every day escalates your infection-fighting immune cells. Resultantly, your immune system is strengthened which gives you the power to fight off any disease. What better than the present to enhance your immunity by taking some ashwagandha?

Due to its high antioxidant content, ashwagandha protects your cells from any sort of damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, it is necessary to consume some amount of ashwagandha every day to boost your immunity and prevent inflammation.

8. Strengthens the tissues and muscles of your body

Now, this is a point that can be considered by all fitness enthusiasts and gym freaks out there. Consuming only a small amount of ashwagandha each day will certainly enhance muscle growth, strengthen your tissues and decrease your body fat. 

Just take one gram of ashwagandha and your body will observe your muscles strengthened within one month. 

Are there any Side Effects of Ashwagandha?

Now that you know some of the surprising health benefits of ashwagandha for men, you might wonder if there are any of its side effects that might affect you in the long term. Well, the truth is, due to the lack of scientific studies and research in this area, the long term effects of consuming ashwagandha have not made the light of the day.  

Although in the short term there are no side effects, you need to look out for some details. If you’re consuming supplements, make sure that you consume them only in small amounts. Otherwise, it can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, nausea and even diarrhoea. 

Next, make sure that you consume ashwagandha after the sun sets down because it will make you feel more sleepy and drowsy. Also, if you are suffering from high/low blood pressure, or are on certain medications related to blood pressure, blood sugar and thyroid, make sure that you consult with your doctor before consuming ashwagandha, because it can interact with these medications. 

Also read: Ashwagandha Can Change Your Life