The Benefits of Adaptogens – Definition, Mechanism, Benefits, and More (Your Complete Guide)

Overview

Adaptogens help your body adapt to life’s challenges. These herbs interact with your organs to help you cope with short- and long-term stress.

Researchers found that adaptogens improve symptoms of fatigue, enhance mental performance, and combat depression and anxiety.

The best way to include adaptogens in your diet is by integrating them within your coffee (that’s what we do!).

In this article, we will briefly cover the mechanism of action of adaptogens to understand how these herbs benefit your body.

The benefits of adaptogens

During times of stress, your body undergoes what is known as general adaptation syndrome. It has three stages:

·        Alarm

·        Resistance

·        Exhaustion

Adaptogens help your body remain in the resistance phase for a longer period of time. They do this by preventing your organs from entering the exhaustion phase.

Therefore, instead of breaking down during times of stress, you can keep going in a stable mental equilibrium.

You can think of it as a vaccine. You take the adaptogen before stress occurs, so when it does, you are fully prepared.

Adapting to stress significantly increases our performance regardless of what’s stressing us out. Moreover, adaptogens will prevent some severe complications by lowering the production of cortisol – a stress hormone secreted by the adrenal gland during times of alertness.

Note that the benefits of adaptogens do not end here. Researchers found that certain adaptogens can help with indigestion, weak immune system, insomnia, chronic pain, and many other conditions.

More research

In one study, researchers found that adaptogens can truly optimize health and general well-being. For instance, people with cardiovascular diseases and neurological disorders can significantly benefit from some types of adaptogens.

In several animal studies, researchers demonstrated the effects of ashwagandha on memory and cognitive function.

The primary mechanism that promotes brain function is by reducing the concentration of free radicals.

In rats with epilepsy, researchers noted the near reversal of memory loss in the subjects.

Additionally, one controlled study found that taking 500 mg of ashwagandha significantly improves reaction time and performance.

Here is a list of some adaptogens that we include in our coffee:

Adaptogen Benefits

Reishi

Boosts the immune system, protects against certain types of cancer, promotes heart health, and fights off fatigue and depression.

Maca

Increases libido and fertility, relieves symptoms of menopause, improves mood, boosts energy, and protects the skin.

Ashwagandha

Relieves stress, lowers blood sugar, improves chronic pain, reduces the risk of certain cancers, and optimizes cardiovascular health.

Takeaway message

Including adaptogens in your coffee will tremendously help you throughout the day. By making this a regular habit, you will equip your body with additional protection against physical and mental stress.

We hope that this article conveyed the importance of adaptogens and their role in tempering down stress.

If you are ready to make the smart move like many of our readers already have, check out this link to get your own adaptogen-supplemented coffee