The 5 Superfoods and Adaptogens that set you up for SUCCESS
By Amanda Da Silva, B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed
5-minute read
Adaptogens are not just ‘supplements’ or a health and wellness fad, they’re much more than that. These compounds can be incredibly healing and highly efficient in treating ‘burn out’ but also in tending to the spirit. With a lot of buzz around the topic, there often is a lot of confusion too. But adaptogens and their benefits are simple to understand.
Whether you’re having a tough day, stressing over the piles of work you have to get done, trying to recover from an exhausting workout, or you simply have a common cold, consider implementing adaptogens into your routine.
Not only is this great practice for healthier habit building, but these substances can help you overcome many health issues -some of which you weren’t even aware of! There’s a reason these plants have been used for thousands of years in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
So here are the 5 superfoods and adaptogens that will set you up for success.
Schisandra Berry
Schisandra Chinensis (the five flavor fruit), is a fruit-bearing plant that has been used for medicinal purposes in Asia and Russia for thousands of years.
In ancient Chinese medicine, Schisandra berry is considered essential to qi (also known as chi), which is the life force and energy that drives all living beings.
It’s available in powder, pill, and liquid form and can be used for a variety of health issues. Schisandra is a popular adaptogen that is targeted to increase energy, endurance, physical performance, and decrease stress.
It’s a great compound to take as a preventative measure to the common signs of aging, namely, regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, boosting the immune system, and speeding recovery.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng, or Eleutherococcus senticosus, most commonly known as eleuthero, is a plant that has been used in Eastern countries for centuries. Despite its name, this plant is very different from American and Asian ginseng since it doesn’t consist of the same active chemical components.
People often use this ginseng to improve their athletic performance, boost their productivity, alleviate sleep problems (like insomnia), and prevent colds. This adaptogen has tremendous benefits when it comes to energy levels.
Not only does it promote longevity and vitality but it also enhances strength and stamina, which makes it the perfect pick-me-up when that notorious afternoon crash hits.
Chaga Mushroom
Dubbed the king of mushroom adaptogens, Chaga is a slow-growing fungus that grows on birch trees -and because of its parasitic nature, it often kills them.
Aside from the fascination of how the most beneficial plants tend to kill their host, Chaga is an adaptogen that was traditionally grated into tea or used as a coffee substitute to support the immune function and provide stress relief.
The Chaga mushroom is superior to other options because it’s extremely rich in phytonutrients (namely Beta-Glucans), glyconutrients, and antioxidants.
It’s great for getting that extra kick of energy, but it’s especially sought after due to how effective it is in stimulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, purifying the blood, and preserving the liver.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms are also particularly popular in traditional Eastern medicine.
In fact, they have been used for therapeutic purposes for over two thousand years due to the unparalleled benefits they impart.
In Chinese culture, reishi mushrooms are a symbol of success, well-being, divine power and longevity. These mushrooms are perfect for muscle growth, antibody production, hormonal balance, but most importantly for inducing a sense of calm and reducing stress and anxiety.
Ashwagandha
Known as the rejuvenator in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha (or Indian Ginseng) is usually used as a tonic to combat fatigue, reduce stress and anxiety, calm the nerves, as well as assist the immune system, and improve the quality of sleep.
This root has been prescribed for practically everything from inflammation to insomnia. Unlike the majority of adaptogens, there is ample scientific research that shows Ashwagandha’s beneficial effects in reducing cortisol, lowering blood pressure, and regulating blood sugar.
In Closing
By improving the quality of your sleep, lowering your cortisol, stimulating your immune system, and boosting your brain function, these 5 adaptogens can drastically reduce your everyday stress levels and set you up for success. If you’d like to know more about how to find these adaptogens so you can enhance your life, head over to the “Things I love” section of my website to add this to your daily routine!
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Hi! I’m Amanda Da Silva.
I’m a mother of two boys, a wife, daughter, teacher, entrepreneur, former CEO, and life-long learner. I’m all about personal growth, community 💕, and being of service. (Find out more about me here.) In addition to being passionate about personal development, I’m an educator and coach with 20-years experience teaching and leading in the BC school system. I have a B.Hkin, B.Ed, and M.Ed, specializing in leadership and administration. Creating community and leading thriving teams are two of my favourite things to do. I also love helping people live empowered and growth-oriented lives.
I hope you’ll join me as we build our success together! 🙌
