More than focus? Other health benefits of adaptogens.

"Adaptogens". It sounds like one of those new, fancy buzzwords people like to throw around. We get it. Let us talk about what it really means, though. To begin, we think we should note that for simplicity, we are grouping certain plants into the group "adaptogen". However, lion's mane has not been officially declared an adaptogen.

Here at insight, we love to promote focus. After all, most people want to get more done in their day. And, the people that we put on our packaging are known for being some of the best in their fields. 

That being said, we are also all about mental and personal health and creating a balance. Aside from energy and focus, adaptogens are powerhouses for other benefits. Adaptogens help the body respond to stress, anxiety, fatigue, and, well, adapt.

Stress can cause physical changes in the body. This includes harming the neurological, endocrine, and immune systems. Functional mushrooms and other adaptogens help counteract those harmful effects by working at a molecular level, regulating a stable balance in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands. These are all involved in the stress response. Essentially, our bodies naturally resist stressors, and adaptogens assist in that resistance. 

Do adaptogens have any long-term benefits?

We at insight put a lot of focus on the present moment. We should all be living and performing in the now, but the future is just as important. After all, our future selves benefit most from our focus on health. 

Studies have shown adaptogens to help people with cardiovascular health and neurological disorders, especially ones associated with aging.

Our go-to ingredients for our mushroom coffees are Panax Ginseng, Lion's Mane, and Ashwagandha. All three improve cognition function and brain health, but each has its own benefits as well:

Panax Ginseng helps boost the immune system and improves cardiovascular health. It has long been used for giving energy and increasing vitality. Ginseng can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, treat diabetes and manage sexual dysfunction in men.

Lion's mane decreases the effects of anxiety and depression while providing a clear focus. It has also been shown to help lower the risk of dementia, heart disease, cancer, ulcers, and diabetes.

Ashwagandha is high in antioxidants and is used to address depression and reduce the effects of stress. It can also help boost the immune system.

Takeaway

Adaptogens are plants that have been used and studied throughout history for their abilities to help our body adapt and handle stress, anxiety, and other mental conditions.

More info: Plant Adaptogens—History and Future Perspectives - PMC (nih.gov)