Say Hello to Adaptogens!
It’s time to take a stroll down memory lane! You remember how your grandma used to give Brahmi syrups to increase your focus before exams or warm beverages whenever you fell sick? It was the power of adaptogens that energised you instantly!
Let’s open the old treasure box of our grandmas to understand more about adaptogens.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are plants and mushrooms that support equilibrium by helping the body to adjust to and withstand stress, anxiety and fatigue.
Certain plants and mushrooms contain substances that allow them to adapt to their environment and withstand stressful ones. When we use these, they have the extraordinary capacity to “bring our bodies back to their state of balance” both physically and mentally.
What do they do?
Taking adaptogens is intended to help your body achieve balance once more. The action of adaptogens can speed up or slow down chemical processes in your body.
For instance, an adaptogen will react by lowering cortisol levels in response to stress (elevated cortisol). Another example is when an adaptogen will raise your body’s cortisol levels if you have low cortisol levels and experience chronic fatigue.
What are the health benefits of Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are substances that are thought to aid the body in resisting the effects of environmental stressors such as physical, chemical, or biological ones. Additionally, adaptogens are said to have anti-aging benefits. Let’s have a look at a few other benefits:
•Boost concentration
•Boost resistance to fatigue in situations
•Reduced disorders and impairments brought on by hormone imbalance
•Control the levels of other hormones, including the stress hormone cortisol, and combat fatigue brought on by high levels
of either physical or emotional stress.
•Combat the negative effects of stress on cognitive performance
•Regularise bodily processes
•Boost immunity
How to use them?
Adaptogens can be consumed as tinctures, added to food or drinks, or both. By controlling both physical and mental stressors, adaptogens help your body regain a stable balance.
What are the types of Adaptogens?
Here’s a list of 7 types of adaptogens.
1.Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha, the king of adaptogens, is a superstar healer and enhancer of sexual well-being. By fostering a healthy sexual and reproductive balance, it enhances the reproductive system’s ability to function. It helps you relax and increases your body’s resistance to stress. You get better sleep as a result, and your body is better able to fight inflammation. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to improve immunity by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and reducing inflammation brought on by their low levels.
2. American ginseng – Ginseng has the capacity to restore and foster wellbeing. It is referred to as man-root because it benefits the entire body. Benefits of ginseng include improving memory and boosting immunity. This medicinal root also provides a wide range of culinary and health advantages.
3.Rhodiola Rosea – Rhodiola rosea, also referred to as rose root, golden root, or arctic root, is a Siberian plant that thrives in harsh, arctic climates. Chinese medicine frequently makes use of it. Rhodiola rosea’s medicinal properties, which are derived from the plant’s root, have been used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and mild to moderate stress.
4.Mulethi or licorice – The active ingredients in mulethi, glycyrrhizin and carbenoxolone, are known to relieve heartburn, acidity, constipation, and other stomach issues. Additionally, it has a mild laxative effect that effectively promotes bowel movements. Mulethi also soothes the throat when you have a cough or cold, and its decongestant properties aid in clearing the chest of mucus.
5.Cordyceps – Because of the naturally occurring compounds in the mushroom that increase the availability of oxygen in the blood, cordyceps are known for their capacity to support vitality, endurance, and stamina..
6.Holy Basil (tulsi) – One of the most significant adaptogens is this herb’s antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial, and gut-healing properties. It is also rich in antioxidants and compounds that reduce inflammation, boost energy, and support the immune system.
7.Schisandra berry – It is commonly known as magnolia berry or five-flavour fruit. The ruler of adaptogens, Schisandra Chinensis has been used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine to increase energy, virality, youthfulness and vigour.
Although all types of adaptogens are great, you must consult an expert to know which one is excellent for your body.
Connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.