What Is Shatavari?
The Shatavari is also called as Asparagus racemosus, this belongs to family Liliaceae and grows throughout Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and the Himalayas. It is a climber which grows up to 2 meters.
It is also known by other Sanskrit names Shataveerya, Bahusutha, and Atirasa. Roots of this natural herb is rich in medicinal properties and are regularly used in preparation of ayurvedic medicines.
It is available in white, green, and purple colors. White one is grown away from the sunlight and hence, is deficient of the green pigment, chlorophyll. The purple one is loaded with phytochemicals and anthocyanins which provide the unique color to the vegetable.
The medicinal effect of this plant extends from its root to shoot and its usage has been tested and proven in scientific as well as indigenous systems of medicine like Siddha, Ayurveda, and Unani.
The health benefits of this herb include good cardiovascular health, healthy pregnancy, improved fertility, relief from premenstrual syndrome, and an improved bone health. Shatavari helps to treat cancer, diabetes, hangover, cataract, rheumatism, tuberculosis, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, and convulsions. It reduces urinary tract infections and blood cholesterol. It is also good for digestive health.
Shatavari Nutrition Facts
It is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and essential proteins. It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone).
The mineral treasures that are stored in it include iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, selenium, and potassium.
It also contains a very low amount of calories with no cholesterol and is low in sodium as well. Along with this, it is also a rich source of dietary fiber, which is essential for the body.
Health Benefits Of Shatavari Herb
Here are the health benefits of Shatavari in detail below
1. Maintains Homocysteine Level
Generally the deficiency of vitamin B in the body can elevate the levels of homocysteine and increase the risk of damage to blood vessels, venous thrombosis in which clotting of blood happens in the veins, atherosclerosis, and other cardiac disorders.
Shatavari herb is generally rich in B vitamins that help in maintaining healthy levels of homocysteine, which is produced in the blood when an amino acid (methionine) breaks down in the body. Vitamin B, especially folate, B6, and B12 plays an important role in converting homocysteine into cysteine, which then gets converted back to methionine as per the normal methylation cycle.
2. Helps In Pregnancy
The Shatavari herb contains high folate that aids in reducing the danger of low birth weight and birth defects during pregnancy. Folate is essential for the growth of the fetus. I
t also helps in reducing the complication of edema or retention of water in the body tissues owing to its diuretic effect.
3. Fights PMS
The Shatavari extract can be used effectively for easing premenstrual bloating. The presence of essential nutrients in it helps to combat depression and fatigue, as well as reduce menstrual cramps. It also helps in controlling blood loss and maintaining hormonal balance during menstruation.
4. Improves Fertility
The root of Shatavari herb is widely appreciated in Ayurvedic therapy and which means ‘one who has 100 husbands’. Shatavari has aphrodisiac properties and it is used to regulate the hormones and also cures male and female sexual disorders.
It has anti-anxiety properties and helps in curing physical and mental debility in males. It also helps in enhancing the libido and boosts sperm count and its motility.
In females, Shatavari has been proven to be effective in menopausal syndrome and anemia. Shatavari has been trusted as a galactagogue and it is also valued for its effectiveness in improving the quality and quantity of the breast milk while boosting the appetite of nursing women.
5. Improves Digestion
Shatavari contains significant quantities of the nutrient inulin, which is a kind of complex carbohydrate, commonly known as prebiotic. Inulin generally aids in the improved absorption of nutrients and the reduced risk of stomach cancer and allergies.
Shatavari is also a good provider of dietary fiber and it also has laxative properties that help in the smooth functioning of the bowels, keeping bloating and constipation at bay. Along with healthy digestion, fiber also helps in lowering the cholesterol levels of the body.
It is widely recommended for its effectiveness in curing diarrhea, dysentery, and dyspepsia, which is a feeling of abdominal uneasiness including burning sensations or navel pain occurring during or after eating. The Shatavari herb has been proven to be as effective as the commercially available modern drugs in treating dyspepsia.
6. Fights Tumor
This Shatavari herb contains a particular variety of phytonutrients known as saponins.As you all know that saponins generally possess anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Along with the chemo-preventive efficiency, it also helps in elevating the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant and detoxifying compound. It also helps in the prevention of many diseases like HIV, AIDS, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, anemia, cancer and also various cardiac disorders.
7. Controls Diabetes
The anti-inflammatory nutrients present in Shatavari helps in reducing the risk of chronic health ailments, including type 2 diabetes. This amazing beneficial effect is also attributed to the presence of the mineral chromium, which plays a vital role in regulating the blood sugar levels of the body. That also helps in keeping a check on blood sugar levels, improves insulin secretion, and provides an anti-diabetic effect.
8. Cures Hangovers
The Shatavari herb extract contains few essential amino acids that are more effective in curing hangovers. As you know a hangover refers to the unpleasant physiological effect caused due to substantial consumption of alcoholic drinks.
Its symptoms include anxiety, fatigue, and stomach disorders like nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. The leaves and shoots of Shatavari contain a good amount of inorganic mineral content, which also aids in the protection of the liver cells from the toxic effects of alcohol.
9. For Eye Care
The Shatavari is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for healthy vision. Due to the presence of antioxidants in this herb it helps in defending the retina from the damage caused by the oxygen-free radicals.
The presence of the amino acid glutathione in it also helps in reducing the risk of eye ailments such as cataracts and night blindness. You can also have INLIFE Shatavari capsules for an easy way to protect your eyes.
10. Treats Rheumatism
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation of the joints. As the consumption of folate-rich food like Shatavari, which also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, may help to relieve the pain and ease the overall poor functioning in the body associated with arthritis.
11. Rich in Rutin
Shatavari herb is also a rich source of rutin, it is a flavonoid that possesses anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat hemorrhoids and prevent clotting of blood.
It enhances the permeability of capillaries, strengthens the blood vessels, and protects them from becoming fragile.
Rutin also prevents the hardening of arteries by reducing the viscosity of blood and helps in easing hypertension, reducing cholesterol, and maintaining cardiovascular health.
12. Treats Tuberculosis
This herb is also known for its effectiveness in curing bronchitis and tuberculosis. It improves the functioning of lung tissues and helps in treating throat infections as well.
13. Treats Neurodegenerative Diseases
Shatavari is effective in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. These beneficial effects are attributed to the presence of phytoestrogens in it that have certain neuroprotective effects.
Neurodegenerative diseases are genetic or periodic conditions affecting the neurons of the human brain and the body does not normally have the ability to replace the damaged neurons.
14. Relieves Depression
As we all know that Shatavari is used as one of the anti-anxiety and antidepressant drugs. It helps in enhancing the memory, increases the production, and secretion of estrogen, and it also has a revitalizing and calming effect on the nervous system.
15. Cures Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the chronic disorders that affects your brain and leads to recurrent convulsions or seizures. The brain transmits abnormal signals as a result of irreversible changes in the brain tissues. The roots of Shatavari can be used as an antiepileptic for curing the symptoms of epilepsy.
16. Treats Urinary Tract Infections
An Asparagus racemosus contains antiurolithiatic effect, which helps to cure urinary tract infections. Due to the vegetable’s diuretic properties, consumption of This herb increases the frequency and volume of urination. This helps to detoxify and flush the toxic waste out of the body.
17. Maintains Blood Cholesterol Level
The wealth of antioxidants present in Shatavari have the potential to treat oxidative stress, along with other disorders such as hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia.
These diseases indicate the presence of high fat and also high cholesterol content in the body, which can further pose a major threat for fatal conditions like cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis. Shatavari plays an important role to treat these diseases.
18. For Weight Loss
Diuretic effect of Shatavari may reduce bloating of body. Shatavari is often considered part of weight loss diet. Apart from the above there is not much evidence about Shatavari reducing weight.
However, as a diet it offers various nutrients and very less calories along with enough dietary fibers, which makes it good food for weight loss diet.
19. For Healthy Heart
Shatavari provides human body few vital vitamins including Vitamin B1, folic acid and Vitamin b6 which are essential for proper functioning of cardiovascular system. It reduces risks of heart diseases and ensures health of your heart. As you know that Shatavari extract reduces high blood pressure.
20. Shatavari And Blood Clots
Shatavari supplies body with ample quantities of vitamin K. Vitamin K plays vital role in clotting of blood. It is essential in preventing blood clots in arteries. It helps reduce risk of coronary artery disorder. You can also have INLIFE Shatavari capsules for your better health.
21. Rich In Calcium
Shatavari is rich in calcium, it is a highly essential mineral required for the proper functioning of the body and development of teeth and bones. It can also Build and strengthen the bone structure by preventing abnormal bone development in the foetus.
Above all are the health benefits of using Shatavari herb. You can consume Shatavari capsules regularly for better results.
That’s really a great article Mukta. Importance and benefits of Shatavari are well explained. Shatavari is considered to be a women’s friend as it has lot of health benefits for women. I read an article saying that adding purple foods to your plate help you have a healthy life.
So true sejal I am glad you not only reading the article but showing so much interest