C172 pilot reported loss of control when they encountered severe turbulence and wind shifts.

Narrative

Filed direct at 4000 ft. Departed ZZZ1. Requested 6000 ft. Enroute to ZZZ just north of ZZZ1; I encountered severe aggressive turbulence with 40 degree wind shifts and a stint of heavy rain. The turbulence and wind shifts caused altitude gains and losses of several hundred feet and heading changes of approximately 40 degrees. During the encounter; I accepted the altitude and heading changes in an effort not to stress or overexert the aircraft. After the encounter; I contacted ATC and requested 4000 ft. in an effort to avoid further turbulence and returned to my course to ZZZ. ATC inquired if everything was ok. I advised we were fine but had encountered wind shifts and turbulence. We were cleared to 4000 ft. and proceeded to ZZZ. I requested to start my descent into ZZZ and was switched to ZZZ approach. ZZZ Approach advised to descend to 3000 ft. and proceed direct to ZZZZZ for the RNAV XXL approach. Heading 230 vectors to final. ZZZ advised the ILS for XXL was available. Accepted the XXL Proceeded to ZZZZZ 3000 ft. for the ILS XXL approach. Crossing ZZZZZ1 at 2100 ft. and then descended into VMC conditions and proceeded to land XXL. After landing I reviewed the flight planning and weather; the weather conditions did not clear as rapidly as predicted.