Hippocrates said it best, “Let food be thy Medicine,” and adaptogens are foods that can do just that.
Adaptogens are edible plants and herbs that can help heal the body, specifically helping it better handle physical and emotional stress.
According to a review in Chinese Medicine, N.V. Lazarev, a Russian scientist, was the first to introduce substances in 1947 as plant-originated adaptogens that can non-specifically enhance the human body.
During World War II, adaptogens were used to help improve mental and physical performance for pilots.
Adaptogens have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions, but are becoming a trendy nutrition supplement today.
According to research in Phytomedicine, adaptogens are medicinal plants that increase resistance to stress, and increase concentration, performance and endurance during fatigue.
An article published in Pharmaceuticals states that clinical trials show that adaptogens “exert an anti-fatigue effect that increases mental work capacity against a background of stress and fatigue, particularly in tolerance to mental exhaustion and enhanced attention.”
There are many studied adaptogens available, a few of my favorites are:
» Ashwagandha — According to Alternative Medicine Review, ashwagandha is an herb that may provide a variety of therapeutic effects including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-stress, and antioxidants with little or no toxicity.
» Holy Basil — A review in Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that 24 human studies showed that holy basil may help in regulating blood sugars, blood pressure and lipids, as well as helping to deal with psychological and immunological stress.
» Maca — It is rich in antioxidants, which helps to fight free radicals (which promote disease). Studies have shown that maca root can help boost energy, improve mood, and reduce anxiety.
A study in Menopause showed that maca root reduced psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression in postmenopausal women. A study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed that maca improved the time it took cyclists to complete a 25-mile bike ride.
Maca root contains protein, fiber, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6 and manganese.
» Cordycep mushrooms — They have been shown to enhance athletic performance, boost energy, and they contain antioxidants.
» Reishi — According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, they contain antioxidant properties and may increase immune response.
With adaptogens rising in popularity, manufacturers have started to take notice. You can now purchase a variety of foods and drinks that have added adaptogens. Some of my favorite adaptogen food products available include: » REBBL beverages — They can be found at most health-food stores. REBBL drinks are delicious and contain a variety of adaptogens including reishi, ashwagandha and maca. My favorite flavor is the Hazelnut Chocolate Elixir, which contains ashwagandha, maca and reishi and has only 4 grams of sugar. » Four Sigmatic coffee and hot cacao — Check out Four Sigmatic adaptogen mushroom coffees and guilt-free cacao mix which contains no refined sugar. » Maca root powder — my go-to morning smoothie addition. » Navitas maca maple organic cashews — These slightly sweetened (with maple syrup and coconut sugar), maca cashews make a protein-rich snack. » Holy Basil tea — a smooth tea that helps to de-stress after a long day.
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