Adaptogens are naturally occurring, non-toxic substances often found in herbs and mushrooms that can help protect your body from stress by stabilizing and optimizing a host of physiological functions. The name comes from their ability to adapt to whatever your body specifically needs to restore you to peak health.
In a non-stressed state, we have better memory, enhanced endurance, less fatigue and we have the ability to focus our attention much more efficiently. However, when we are stressed, our bodies have a way of producing the opposite effects of all of these primary functions. This is where adaptogens becomes a key player in our health and well-being.
5 Natural Sources of Adaptogens
There are many sources of adaptogenic herbs that have been thoroughly studied according to Registered Dietician Nutritionist, Vicki Retelny. As with many dietician’s out there, she has reviewed and studied a large amount of those natural resources. However, there is a consensus among a large conglomerate of dietitians that there are some that prove much more efficient that others. Below, we will discuss the top five adaptogenic herbs that will most certainly prove worth your time and effort when introducing into your daily diet.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil is different from the traditional sweet basil many of us use in our everyday cooking repertoire. Also known as Ocimum Sanctum L or Tulsi, this basil, native to Southeast Asia has a history of treatment for many conditions ranging from eye disease to ringworms and in many Indian circles, it is known as an invigorator for the spirit, mind, and body. In a May 2015 article by BMC Genomics, it’s described that throughout Eastern Medicine, Holy Basil is referred to the “elixr of life” because of its proven health benefits.
One particular study showed that “people who took 500mg of Holy Basil extract each day felt less anxious, stressed and depressed and are often more social.”
Additionally, Holy Basil is extremely high in anti-oxidants thereby providing protection against infection, lowering blood sugar, lowering cholesterol, easing inflammation and protecting your stomach.
Nutritional components of Holy Basil include Vitamin A & C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and Chlorophyll; Scientific research shows that Holy Basil has specific pharmacological properties that aid in various types of stressors whether they stem from physical, chemical, infectious, or emotional sources. In fact, various parts of the plant are known for treating different conditions:
- Flowering Parts: Bronchitis
- Leaves & Seeds: Malaria
- Whole Plant: Diarrhea, Nausea & Vomiting
- Ointment Form: Eczema
- Alcohol Extract: Stomach Ulcers & Eye Disease
- Essential Oil Form: Insect Bites
Ashwagandha
Classified as an adaptogen, Ashwagandha also provides numerous additional benefits for your body and brain. As one of the most desired herbs in Ayurveda, a form of alternative medicine; Ashwagandha has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels and improve concentration.
Fully supported by science, there are many distinct benefits derived from the regular use of Ashwagandha in your daily diet. Among those are; reducing blood sugar levels, anti-cancer properties, reduction in cortisol levels, lowering stress and anxiety levels, reducing symptoms of depression, boost in testosterone, increased muscle mass and lowering both cholesterol and inflammation within the body.
It is well known among dietitians and herbalists that Ashwagandha is a simple, easy and effective way to improve your health and quality of life.
Maca
Known as a Peruvian cruciferous vegetable which is grown in the Andes mountains. It is similar in nature to broccoli, cabbage and kale.
One of the most well-known benefits of the Maca root is in increasing one’s libido. A 2002 study found that men who took 1.5g or more of Maca per day experienced an increase in libido when compared to those who received a placebo. Because of its fairly malty taste, many simply use the powder form in their oatmeal, yogurts and/or smoothies.
Additional benefits of Maca have been shown and include a reduction in erectile dysfunction, a boost in energy and stamina, increased fertility, improved moods, lowering blood pressure, reducing damage from the sun, improving memory, fighting free radicals, and assisting those with a variety of menopausal symptoms.
While Maca has a wide range of potential health benefits in regard to sexual health, the evidence around these benefits has yet to be studied on a broader basis. And as with any supplement, be sure to consult your doctor before adding to your diet.
Reishi
The reishi mushroom, while used for centuries in Eastern Asia for its apoptogenic properties, has been popping up more and more in various wellness products hitting today’s news. Many nutritionists consider it a “superfood” or simply term it as the “king of the mushrooms”. Reishi is known for its immune boosting and cell regenerating benefits, both of which prove well worth the time and prep investment when considering your quality of life.
While these mushrooms are not ones you’ll find in the produce aisle at even your most gourmet of grocery stores, “Reishi mushrooms are great for stimulating the immune system and liver function, producing an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, and have even been shown to reduce tumor growth,” says Rachel Gargiulo, certified nutrition consultant at Nourishing Journey, a wellness center and organic café in Columbia, MD.
Traditionally, Reishi mushrooms, high in antioxidants, have been used to boost the immune system and prevent infection although there are many other reported benefits including:
- Reducing fatigue
- Ally against cancer
- Lower blood pressure
- Great for the brain
- Combats allergens
- Aids in fighting diabetes
- Improve liver function
There are many ways that the proper, doctor-approved usage of Reishi Mushrooms can enhance your health and while you may not be able to add them to a salad, there are numerous other ways to prepare and/or consume these “king of the mushrooms”.
Siberian Ginseng
This particular strain of ginseng has been widely used in Russia as their go-to adaptogen in efforts to prevent the common cold while increasing longevity, energy, and vitality. In addition to the traditional cold/flu treatment, Siberian Ginseng has shown to be effective in the treatment of herpes viral infections and providing a boost in mental performance, physical performance and in one’s general quality of life.
In addition to being used as an adaptogen, Siberian ginseng has been used for “conditions of the heart and blood vessels such as high blood pressure, low blood pressure, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and rheumatic heart disease.”
According to Dr. Weil, there is “strong evidence that Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) increases endurance and mental performance in patients with mild fatigue and weakness.”
Even though Siberian Ginseng has been around for over 2,000 years, scientists are still unsure exactly how it works. Compounds from the plant have been shown to stimulate the immune cells and protect the nervous system but more, large scale clinical trials are deemed necessary.
Where Do You Start With Adaptogens
Most of the Adaptogens we’ve discussed above can be found at major health food stores in their natural form or via tinctures, capsules, extracts and/or powders. Most of which can be consumed along with a regular meal or as a daily supplement in your yogurt, coffee, oatmeal and more. Adaptogen supplements are known to be a great way to supplement your daily smoothies.
Be aware however, that just because a product touts being “adaptogenic” doesn’t mean that it’s automatically healthy. You’ll want to be sure to review any additional ingredients as well as the source of those ingredients.
In the absence of any major health concerns, adding adaptogens to your diet will very likely assist in managing daily stress and its effects on the body. DJ Blatner, RDN says, “We do know stress is an epidemic, and if adaptogens are a potential stress protector, and they’re not going to hurt you, then why not try them because some people are almost immobilized by stress, and not working at their best.”
While adaptogens are generally safe, you’ll want to be sure to consult your doctor to confirm that you are consuming reputable brands and that there are no contraindications with your current medical or natural regimen. It’s also important to make sure you are aware of the proper dosage of any supplement you consider adding to your healthy lifestyle.
Baobab Fruit Powder, is known for its numerous adaptogen properties which makes it an incredibly healthy tool for reducing stress, the effects stress has on the body, and your overall well-being. In addition, Baobab Fruit Powder is known to help boost the immune system as it has an extremely high antioxidant profile. This profile includes protecting the cells in your body from free radical damage that can occur from exposure to certain chemicals, smoking, pollution radiation, and as a byproduct of normal metabolism. Not to mention its natural ability to combat the multitude of stresses that our bodies endure from day to day.
Importantly, Baobab Fruit Powder is a naturally dehydrated fruit and the nutritional benefits are “locked in” and stable, no matter the application. The baobab fruit has an overall nutritional profile that is second to none and our baobab fruit is sustainably harvested with extreme attention to our safe and natural processing in order to ensure a consistent, reputable supply for generations to come.
In summary, Baobab Powder, Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Maca, Reishi, and Siberian Ginseng are all incredible, natural sources in regards to adaptogenic qualities. If you are looking to incorporate Baobab Fruit Powder into your next product for its adaptogen properties, contact the natural ingredients team at Organically Africa.