Fitness enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ingredients to help enhance their fitness journeys. Although chemical supplements are widely available in the market, the goodness of Ayurvedic ingredients usually does not get the attention it deserves. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian health practice. It aims to support health and well-being by balancing the mind, body and spirit and focuses more on prevention than cure. Achieving this requires a holistic approach that includes nutrition, exercise and lifestyle adjustments.
Ayurvedic herbs and spices play an important role in this approach. They are believed to provide a range of health benefits, including better digestion and mental health, and actually protect your body from disease.
Originally from India, Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) is a small woody shrub. Its roots and fruits are used to make a well-known Ayurvedic medicine. It’s classified as an adaptogen, meaning it’s thought to help your body deal with stress more effectively. Cortisol is a hormone that your adrenal glands make in response to stress, and studies show that ashwagandha lowers cortisol levels. Fitness enthusiasts can benefit from it to relieve stress – both physically and psychologically. Ashwagandha may also improve muscle growth and blood sugar levels.
Shilajit is an ingredient that is widely used in Ayurvedic medical practices to treat a wide range of ailments. It is rich in minerals and contains a key compound known as fulvic acid. While exercising, fitness enthusiasts lose essential electrolytes that help regulate water balance, muscle contractions, nerve impulses and metabolism through sweating. Shilajit is rich in certain mineral content that has the ability to replace these electrolytes, thereby maintaining physical performance and endurance.
Triphala: Triphala is an Ayurvedic medicine made from the three medicinal fruits listed: Amla (Emblica Officinalis or Indian Gooseberry) Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica) Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula). According to research, Triphala can reduce arthritic inflammation and prevent or slow the spread of several types of cancer. Additionally, Triphala is also beneficial for improved digestion and oral health. Fitness enthusiasts can greatly benefit from including Triphala in their diet as it can promote overall health and well-being. It acts as a colon toner and helps to strengthen and tone the colon tissues. As a result, it helps control weight.
Another popular Ayurvedic treatment is turmeric, which is the ingredient that gives curry its characteristic yellow color. Its main active ingredient, curcumin, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Test-tube studies show that it can be just as effective as other anti-inflammatory drugs, if not more, and without any of the negative effects. Additionally, turmeric may help prevent heart disease, in part by improving blood flow, just as effectively as exercise or other prescription drugs.
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), known as the “queen of spices”, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times. According to research, those with high blood pressure can benefit from using cardamom powder to lower it. There is evidence that inhaling cardamom essential oil can improve the body’s ability to absorb oxygen during exercise. Ayurvedic research shows that adding cardamom can lower blood pressure, improve breathing, and heal stomach ulcers. However, more human research is needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
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(With IANS inputs)
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