Ashwagandha for Athletes’ Performance and Recovery

Athletes are always on the hunt for energy boosters and strength stimulators. No doubt whey proteins and protein bars are busting the charts. But the latest buzz is Ashwagandha for athletes!

Ashwagandha has interested researchers for its many medicinal benefits. It’s a certified aphrodisiac and noted adaptogen. Ashwagandha is an important part of the traditional medicinal system.

Ashwagandha is one of the most important Ayurvedic herbs. A Rasayana, a rejuvenator, and a strength builder. But most importantly it helps boost sex, fertility, stamina, and immunity. 

Legends say Ashwagandha has the ability to lend the strength of a horse. 

Also Read: Easy Home Remedies of Ashwagandha

What makes Ashwagandha an awesome herb?

Ashwagandha is a root herb that contains more than 35 medicinal compounds. It contains alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins as predominant active chemical constituents.

These compounds make this root a tonic. It works wonderfully as an aphrodisiac, narcotic, diuretic, anthelmintic, astringent, thermogenic, and stimulant. 

Also Read: Amazing benefits of Ashwagandha for women

Ashwagandha for athletes

1. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen

The adaptogenic aspect of Ashwagandha is a blessing for athletes. The stress of the game can really get to the head. That’s where Ashwagandha plays a role in calming stress.

Regular intake of Ashwagandha among athletes can reduce the level of cortisol. Cortisol is the stress hormone that acts as a catabolic agent for detracting muscle mass.

It further regulates the metabolism of the body under distress. Ashwagandha normalizes system functions and develops heightened resistance to stress. 

2. Ashwagandha as a strength builder in athletes

Withania somnifera is also popular as a general tonic for energy enhancement. Studies show ashwagandha improves muscular strength. It also enhances coordination which is a very important feature in an athlete.

A study revealed that ashwagandha can increase the secretion of testosterone. Testosterone helps promote muscle growth. Another study quoted that ashwagandha improves core muscle strength and stability. 

3. Ashwagandha for the mental health of athletes

Strong mental faculties are an asset for any athlete. Concentration, focus, confidence, and self-esteem are very important for any athlete. Research says Ashwagandha supplements can help!

It further boosts cognitive abilities that help in the planning and plotting of game strategies. It aids in relieving stress, treating depression, curing insomnia, and reducing fear.

Also Read: Can Ashwagandha ease your fears?

4. Ashwagandha for fighting fatigue  

The strenuous physical routine of an athlete often leads to exhaustion and fatigue. Apart from rest, sports persons rely on supplements to fulfill their body’s unique requirements.

They burn more calories and need more energy, strength, and better immunity. Thus, not getting the right nutrients can cause fatigue and blackouts. Ashwagandha improves the body’s power of absorbing nutrients from food. It also helps the body to preserve vital energy.

Further, the antioxidants in Ashwagandha fight free radicals boost energy and promote youthfulness. Hence, Ashwagandha supplements are recommended by sportspersons for fighting fatigue.

Also Read: Ashwagandha for men

Summing it up!

• Firstly, Ashwagandha is a great adaptogen.
• Secondly, it is clinically proven to increase cardio-respiratory response.
• Thirdly, it boosts immunity and enhances endurance and performance.
• In addition, Ashwagandha supplements can improve muscle strength. 
• Also, it helps in building lean body mass and maintaining body fat percentage.

Conclusion – An Ayurvedic Doctor’s recommendation

Ashwagandha may be included as a supplement or daily tonic in an athlete’s diet. It should also be given to aspiring sportspersons despite their age as a health booster.

Ashwagandha provides protective and supportive benefits to the athlete. This herb benefits them both physically and mentally, without causing any side effects or reactions. 

Hence, if your child is a sportsperson, a sports enthusiast, or an aspiring athlete, then Ashwagandha is worth a shot. It’s economical, natural, and free of side effects.