Did you know that there is food that helps you reduce stress and boost your immunity? These are called adaptogens. A traditional Chinese herb that is used as medicine for various diseases Clinical trials of these herbs are also indicating their health benefits for fatigue, dry eyes, high blood pressure, headaches, and cancer.
Adaptogens help you increase your resistance and tolerance to physical or emotional stress. In this blog, we are going to understand how adaptogens affect our bodies and how you can incorporate them into your diet.
History Of Adaptogens
These “magic herbs” have been gaining popularity now, but they date back to 1947. During World War II, it was used by soldiers to increase their resistance and cope with the stress around them. It releases neuropeptide Y, a hormonal cell that plays a part in your flight-or-fight situation.
Adaptogens can affect your mood, appetite, and resistance to stress-induced physical activities like an intense workout or a warlike situation. These herbs are found in Ashwagandha, Maca, Tulsi, Reishi mushrooms, Turmeric, Schisandra, Ginseng, Cordyceps, and Rhodiola. Many health supplements also use these herbs as raw materials to increase the health benefits they offer.
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Health Benefits Of Adaptogens
These herbs are available in the form of capsules and liquids, which are recommended in Ayurvedic treatments. Several studies prove the health benefits of these magic herbs.
Alleviates Stress
The UCLA Fielding School of Public Health published an article that gives us an insight into how these adaptogens work. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in our bodies is a messaging system that initiates stress responses. When a stress-induced situation arises, these herbs interact with our HPA axis, and instead of blocking the stress, they handle it effectively.
The Cleveland Clinic also shares the same view, saying adaptogens help you handle anxiety and fatigue well. But not all adaptogens work on stress and anxiety; they also enhance concentration, immunity, and hormonal production.
Decreases Inflammation
Harvard Publishing and the Cleveland Clinic have shared their views on the anti-inflammatory properties of adaptogens. Turmeric and ashwagandha have anti-inflammatory properties that can help you fight chronic inflammation and sickness. It is non-toxic and helps your body return to its original state before the stress.
Boosts Immunity
Another advantage of adaptogens is that they improve immunity in our bodies. Some studies conclude that Siberian ginseng is a powerful herb that has been used as a remedy to fight off colds and flu. Researchers note that the anti-inflammatory properties of Siberian ginseng can help improve the immune response to antibodies.
How To Add Adaptogens To Your Diet?
While we know how these herbs work on our bodies, it’s essential to understand their proportionate intake. You can never overdo the dosage of medicines. Because if you do, then there are high chances that it might not work or, worse, that you will develop a reaction to it. Let us understand a safe way to incorporate these herbs into our diet.
Adding A Pinch Into Smoothies
Adaptogens like turmeric and ashwagandha do not have a strong taste and can be added to your smoothies. A pinch of it will make your smoothie a power-packed meal that will not only satisfy your hunger but also boost your immunity.
Add Them To Your Tea
Chinese herbal tea is famous for its medicinal properties because it has a perfect blend of these adaptogens. A proportionate intake of herbs and water, when boiled together, makes a strong potion for your health problems. You can also add adaptogens to your daily tea to improve stress resistance.
Add Them To Your Soup
Soups are a soul-fulfilling food that not only gives you great taste and energy when you are sick but also helps you fight off the sickness. Adding them as a powder or straining them with a stick of these adaptogens will work wonders for your body.
Add Them To Baked Goods
Baked goods like cookies, cakes, or muffins can help your dessert be more than fulfilling. With a pinch of these adaptogens, you can have the best of both worlds! A delicious dessert mixed with a medicinal ingredient has a good ring to it. Also, it can be a great way to feed the medicine to your young ones without them knowing.
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