Smartfeed
Herbal Remedy Helps Body Weight and Stress
New research suggests that a common herbal remedy can help people manage body weight, especially if they are experiencing chronic stress in their lives. Chronic stress has been associated with obesity and weight management issues, so finding a natural way to tackle this problem could be a welcome approach for many individuals struggling with their weight.
Most people are familiar with stress in their lives, and you probably know it can take a significant toll on your physical, emotional, and mental health. Conventional medicine offers numerous pharmaceuticals to help people deal with stress, yet these drugs come with an array of side effects and potential complications.
Ashwagandha reduces stress and helps with weight
For centuries, the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha has been valued for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen, a natural substance that has a normalizing impact on the body and helps it adapt to stress. Other common adaptogens include ginseng, rhodiola, licorice root, and holy basil.
In a new double-blind study, 52 individuals suffering with chronic stress were randomly assigned to receive either 300 mg ashwagandha root extract or placebo twice daily for eight weeks. All of the participants underwent testing using the Perceived Stress Scale and Food Cravings Questionnaire, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, as well as measurements of body weight, cortisol (a stress hormone) levels, and body mass index.
Here’s what the investigators found at the end of the study:
Significant improvements in all of the test results among those who took the herbal remedy ashwagandha when compared with the placebo group, including food cravings and emotional eating
Body weight declined 3% in the ashwagandha group versus 1.5% in the placebo group
Body mass index declined 3% in the ashwagandha group versus 1.4% in the placebo group
Previous research has strongly supported the use of ashwagandha as a natural remedy for tackling stress and anxiety. Now, the authors of this study have concluded that “The results of the present study [have] demonstrated that ashwagandha may provide additional benefit of supporting the maintenance of normal weight (or even weight loss) in people living with chronic stress.”
Source: Emaxhealth