Does Ashwagandha Increase weight? Here's What Research Reveals

Do you struggle with the urge to maintain weight or be underweight or thin? Feelings of insecurity and irritability may result from this, and it might inspire you to adopt a healthier way of living. Ashwagandha is one of the natural ingredients that can aid in weight gain, but it still needs to be clarified: Does Ashwagandha increase weight? Because it can aid in its decrease. Let’s understand how.

Ashwagandha is an herb that can help with various issues, including stress, poor gut health, weakened immunity, and inappropriate digestion. It improves digestion, increases metabolism, and reduces stress. Ashwagandha is a rich source of antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also significantly increases strength and body mass.

However, there is no direct answer to whether Ashwagandha helps gain weight. While it promotes weight loss, it improves athletic performance, muscle and bone health, energy, stamina, and strength. It also improves mental health, which influences multiple aspects of the body. Ashwagandha decreases cortisol levels, which protects muscle health and repairs and strengthens them. Additionally, it contains withanolides, compounds that aid in improving muscle mass, helping damaged ones recover, and strengthening them.

Does taking Ashwagandha increase weight?

Ashwagandha is a versatile herb that addresses the root causes of weight gain, such as stress, improper digestion, weak immunity, and poor gut health. It boosts metabolism, improves digestion, manages stress, and contains antioxidants. Proven research suggests that Ashwagandha significantly improves body mass and increases strength. Overall, Ashwagandha is a valuable tool for addressing various health issues and promoting overall well-being.

These are a few of the significant benefits of Ashwagandha's increased weight.

Ashwagandha helps in managing stress

Ashwagandha can significantly aid with stress management. In some preliminary studies, it was discovered that the plant inhibits stress pathways by controlling chemical signals in the neurological system.

It also aids in the reduction of symptoms in individuals suffering from stress and anxiety disorders. Stress is directly associated with unexplained weight loss. Ashwagandha prevents and reduces cortisol levels in the brain. 

Ashwagandha reduces insomnia

Ashwagandha can aid with insomnia. People struggling with stress and sadness frequently miss out on enough sleep, which inhibits healthy weight gain. Ashwagandha promotes sleep and hormonal equilibrium. Reducing stress helps to improve sleep quality. As a result, the body can restore muscle mass during the night, which leads to weight gain.

Ashwagandha Boosts immunity

Infections and a lack of healthy weight gain are the reasons for a weakened immune system. Research shows that ashwagandha has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains iron, which promotes blood circulation. These qualities make Ashwagandha an Ayurvedic immune booster that helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Does ashwagandha increase weight in females?

Ashwagandha is not directly linked to weight gain, but it may influence factors that can lead to weight changes. For women, ashwagandha reduces the amount of stress chemicals, specifically cortisol. This helps you lose weight by removing excess and unnecessary fat from your body. However, this procedure, combined with the presence of withanolides, helps to develop your muscles. This means that your body will begin to grow muscle mass and get stronger, hence improving your hunger. However, as you continue to use Ashwagandha, you will begin to build healthy fats and muscular weight, which is regarded as healthy.

Does Ashwagandha and Shatavari increase weight?

Ashwagandha and Shatavari are two Ayurvedic herbs that have acquired popularity due to their ability to aid in weight gain while also supporting general health.

How Ashwagandha Supports Weight Gain:

 

Keeps Stress in Check: Ashwagandha helps balance cortisol, our main stress hormone. Lower stress levels mean less stress-related weight loss or trouble gaining weight.

Boosts Appetite: This herb naturally encourages a healthy appetite, making it easier to eat the calories you need for steady weight gain.

Supports Muscle Growth: When paired with exercise and good nutrition, ashwagandha can help you build muscle and add healthy body mass.

How to Use Ashwagandha:

Ashwagandha can be taken in several forms, including capsules and powder, and even blended into herbal drinks. The normal suggested daily dosage is 300-500 mg of ashwagandha extract. 

How Shatavari Supports Weight Gain:

Balances Hormones: Shatavari helps regulate hormones, which is especially helpful for women. Balanced hormones can prevent unwanted weight fluctuations.

Aids Digestion: Shatavari encourages easy digestion, which makes it easier for your body to absorb nutrients and healthily gain weight.

Strengthens Immunity: A strong immune system is key to staying healthy while working on weight gain, and Shatavari helps keep your defences up.

How to Use Shatavari:

Shatavari is available in several forms, including capsules, powders, and liquid extracts. A typical daily dosage varies from 500 to 1,000 mg.

Does ashwagandha powder increase weight?

Ashwagandha powder is frequently marketed in Ayurveda as a weight-gain supplement. Ashwagandha powder is believed to strengthen the body, increase energy, and encourage muscle growth when combined with milk, water, or ghee. To prepare, combine one teaspoon of ashwagandha powder with a warm cup of water or milk. If desired, add honey for flavour. To achieve the optimum results, stir thoroughly and consume once or twice a day. Another technique to ingest ashwagandha is to boil it in pure ghee. Add a little cardamom for flavour and two tablespoons of ashwagandha powder to the melted ghee. Once prepared, filter the ghee using a cotton cloth, keep it in a container, and consume one tablespoon daily. The benefits of ashwagandha for weight gain and energy are thought to be maximized by this process. 

Do ashwagandha capsules increase weight?

Ashwagandha pills may help with weight management rather than causing weight gain. Ashwagandha is known for its adaptogenic characteristics, which assist the body in regulating stress and can indirectly aid in weight loss. Our cortisol levels increase under stress, which may lead to overeating and cravings. Ashwagandha helps to normalize cortisol levels, hence reducing stress-related food cravings. It also increases stamina and energy, which may make physical activities less daunting. While Ashwagandha is not a weight loss pill, it can aid with weight control by supporting balanced hormones and a peaceful state of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Ashwagandha cause you to gain weight?

Ashwagandha itself is not typically associated with weight gain. Instead, it may support muscle growth by reducing stress and balancing hormones, which could indirectly lead to weight gain if combined with strength training. For most, it helps reduce stress and may support weight loss by lowering cortisol levels. Its effects vary, so it’s more about balancing the body than directly increasing or decreasing weight.

Is ashwagandha safe to take daily?

Yes, ashwagandha is generally safe to take daily for most people when used in recommended doses. Known for its adaptogenic properties, it helps manage stress and supports overall wellness. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or have specific health conditions. Long-term use can be beneficial, but moderation and professional guidance ensure optimal and safe outcomes.

Can you lose weight from Ashwagandha?

In addition to being an adaptogen, ashwagandha is also a natural antioxidant, which helps to improve overall health in the body. Antioxidants speed up your metabolism and decrease inflammation8, which helps reduce your body's stored fat.