Ashwagandha and weight loss: everything you need to know

Ashwagandha, scientifically known as Withania somnifera, is a plant native to India, Africa and the Middle East. It is often called "Indian ginseng" because of its ginseng-like properties.

Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, for thousands of years. The roots and berries are the most commonly used parts of the plant, which are often dried and ground into a powder.

Ashwagandha is renowned for its adaptogenic properties, i.e. its ability to help the body manage and adapt to stress. It is also thought to have a number of other health benefits, including improving cognitive function, increasing energy and stamina, reducing inflammation and promoting better quality sleep.

Ashwagandha, a plant with well-known adaptogenic properties, could play a beneficial role in weight loss, as it acts on several well-being aspects. Firstly, it is particularly useful for stress management. Chronic stress can often lead to overeating, which contributes to weight gain. By helping to reduce stress, ashwagandha could help to moderate cravings.

In addition, ashwagandha is reputed to increase energy and stamina, which can help you exercise more and burn more calories. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is often linked to weight gain and obesity. Therefore, by reducing inflammation, ashwagandha could potentially contribute to weight loss.

Finally, some research suggests that ashwagandha may help to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, you avoid the spikes and drops in blood sugar that can lead to cravings.

In short, ashwagandha is not directly a slimming plant, as nopal may be, for example, with its fat-burning action. Ashwagandha can, however, provide a positive accompaniment to a slimming diet by promoting relaxation and stress management, supporting sports activities and reducing inflammation.

Ashwagandha is generally well tolerated by most people in the short term when it is taken in the recommended doses. But it can cause certain side effects, including digestive disorders. Although these side effects are not common, they can include stomach upset, diarrhoea and nausea. These symptoms are more likely to occur with higher doses.

Ashwagandha is recommended for adults only and is not suitable for children, nor for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

It should also be noted that, as with any supplement or medicine, ashwagandha may not be suitable for everyone. People suffering from thyroid or digestive disorders, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis or other inflammatory bowel conditions, should consult a health professional before taking ashwagandha. Similarly, if you are taking medication that affects your digestive system, it is best to speak to a healthcare professional before taking ashwagandha.

In addition, ashwagandha can interact with certain medicines, including those used to treat hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, among others. Therefore, if you are taking medication for any of these conditions, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional before starting to take an ashwagandha food supplement.

Finally, it is always advisable to follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging and not to exceed the recommended dose without consulting a healthcare professional.