What Do Adaptogen Do? Top 4 Adaptogens Benefits You Should Know About!

Adaptogens are gradually gaining quite a bit of recognition. Adaptogens' herbs are being used in a lot of things, from coffee and juice to tonics and supplements. But it is important for you to understand what adaptogens do and how do adaptogens work. Read on to know more and find a list of adaptogens and benefits you can enjoy by consuming them.

Adaptogens - What are they?

Adaptogens are part of herbs that were traditionally used only in Ayurveda but have recently gained traction in western medicine as well. You can find adaptogen supplements that you can consume in the form of capsules or with healthy smoothies. You may have heard of comparisons between adaptogens and nootropics, smart drugs that help improve brain function and keep the body healthy. Note that although nootropics may be effective, they are not natural substances like adaptogens. Nootropics may have side effects like addiction, but there is little evidence of adaptogen's side effects.

Adaptogens like chamomile or holy basil help deal with emotional and physical stress. Identifying the best adaptogens for you depends on what you use them for and how they suit your body.

How do Adaptogens work? 

Adaptogens benefit your health on a microscopic level by helping maintain a balance between the stress glands of your body [1]. Adrenal, hypothalamic, and pituitary glands form a network chain that can trigger a stress response in your body. Your body's stress responses can generally be categorized into three stages which are alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. Consumption of adaptogens can help your body resist stress for a longer period of time. With the help of this resistance, your body can cope with stress in a better way and thus help you perform better in stressful events or tasks. Other than improving your body's response to stress, adaptogen benefits also include increased stamina, focus, energy, improved immune function, protection from bacteria, and more. 

List of adaptogens and benefits you get from them.

Adaptogens for weight loss [2]

• Siberian, American, and Chinese ginsengs
• Holy basil
• Schizandra
• Ashwagandha
• Licorice
• Codonopsis

From the above adaptogens, ashwagandha, licorice, and holy basil also help enhance your body's ability to tackle stress. They can help support your nervous system. Stress is one of the causes of weight gain. These adaptogens benefit you by managing stress, thereby helping you lose weight. They are full of antioxidants that are essential for weight loss. They also help speed up the metabolism, decrease inflammation, and burn stored fat in your body.

Adaptogens for sleep

• Peppermint leaf 
• Tulsi
• Eleuthero 
• Chamomile
• Skullcap
• Mugwort

Adaptogens balance cortisol levels in your body and help it react better to stress. They work in two opposite ways. So adaptogens not only help promote relaxation and restful sleep but also give us more energy and stamina. Mushroom adaptogens are great examples of everyday food you can include in your diet.

Adaptogens for prostate health

• American ginseng
• Goji berry
• Jiaogulan
• Astragalus
• Eleuthero root
• Licorice root 
• Cordyceps
• Saw palmetto

With adaptogen, prostate health can be taken care of. You can use adaptogens like saw palmetto to treat prostate gland enlargement [3]. You can mix these adaptogens with your meals or drinking water.

Adaptogens for energy

• Tulsi 
• Ashwagandha
• Moringa
• Maca
• Gotu kola
• Turmeric
• Cordyceps
• Shatavari

Adaptogens can help boost your focus, productivity, and endurance. They also help support a healthy body and mind. 

Are adaptogens safe to use?

Adaptogens are medicinal plants that help your body resist all triggers of stress. These herbs and roots have been part of Ayurvedic and Chinese healing traditions for centuries. As they are natural substances, you can use them safely as food. Just be sure to check whether you have an allergy to any particular substance before using it. If you feel any allergic reaction, consult a doctor immediately.

Consuming adaptogens is a great way to keep your body in check. But at the same time, do not forget to eat a nutritious diet and exercise regularly. Following other practices like meditation and yoga is also important to relax and get rid of stress and anxiety. If you have any other doubts or want more information about adaptogens, you can book an online consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. Get all your health-related solutions from the comfort of your home. Make sure you keep your health above everything!