I have been dabbling a bit in “superfood” and “adaptogen” powders over the past few months.
A general definition of a superfood is a food that is considered to be very beneficial for your health and overall wellness.
A general definition of an adaptogen is a substance that occurs naturally and is thought to help our bodies handle stress.
In a world of increased stress, elevated cortisol levels, poor lifestyle choices, poor nutrition and poor food choices, many are turning to these substances.
I have been purchasing products from a company based out of the D.C. area called Apothekary. https://apothekary.co I was drawn into purchasing after a very ON POINT Instagram add. I think it was the label “Chill the F Out” that really drew me in because, let’s be honest, many can use a dose of that right now. I have no affiliation with the company but love their purpose, practices and products!! I love promoting anything I truly believe in.
As a physician focused on prevention, wellness and Food as Medicine, I have always read about superfoods and adaptogens but had never tried them for myself.
Both my husband and I are using a combination of their products, gearing towards our individual concerns and needs. I have been adding them to my daily salad and mix up a daily tea for my husband. We both look forward to this daily treat! We are using different combinations and have both noticed improvements. As for me, I have had improvements in sleep, energy, productivity, concentration, chronic gut symptoms and most importantly my ability to “Chill the F Out!”.
I am loving my results and I thought it would be fun to share some information about the superfoods and adaptogens I have been trying out in terms of their potential health benefits!
Here we go!
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin which is the chemical thought to contain all of the health benefits. The mechanism by which curcumin has a positive effect on health is through its role as an antioxidant and by decreasing inflammation.
Studies have shown that curcumin is possibly effective for conditions such as hay fever, arthritis, depression, high cholesterol, fatty liver disease, as well as the symptom of itching in patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease.
Studies have suggested a role for curcumin in a long list of other disorders such as dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, post workout muscle aches, PMS, liver disease, gallbladder disease, obesity, cancers such as prostate cancer and colon cancer, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, SLE and irritable bowel syndrome, but further research is needed to confirm these findings.
One note about turmeric supplementation is to always look for products that contain black pepper as this helps in absorption of curcumin.
Moringa
Moringa is a plant native to India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and is now available throughout the tropics. When dried, moringa maintains a high vitamin and mineral content such as Vitamin A and C, beta carotene, calcium, iron, potassium, protein and essential amino acids. Moringa also contains high amounts of antioxidants.
Research on the effectiveness on Moringa remains preliminary but some studies have suggested benefits in diseases such as Asthma, Diabetes, high cholesterol, lactation, malnutrition, menopause symptoms, decreased body fat, anticancer properties, anti-inflammatory effects, antifungal and antiviral effects.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a green freshwater algae.
Studies have shown efficacy in the treatment of pregnancy induced iron deficiency and pregnancy induced hypertension.
Preliminary studies have shown promise in the treatments for depression, painful periods, fatigue, fibromyalgia, asthma, COPD, high cholesterol, hypertension, metabolic syndrome and fatty liver disease.
In addition to its use in certain health conditions, Chlorella is packed with nutrients. Chlorella contains chlorophyll which aids in the detoxification of heavy metals and other toxins. Chlorella also contains carotenoids, healthy Omega 3s, fiber, antioxidants, as well as numerous vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin B12, B6, K, iron, zinc, copper and magnesium. Chlorella is a form of complete protein meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids.
Hibiscus
Hibiscus contains high amounts of Vitamin C, antioxidants, iron, zinc and B vitamins.
Studies have proven effectiveness in Hibiscus in the treatment of hypertension.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is needed in the following conditions. Cholesterol control, weight loss, improving blood sugar control, decreasing urinary tract infections, improving fatty liver disease and decreasing liver damage through detoxification.
Sea Buckthorn
Sea Buckthorn contains potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. It is also a good source of folate, biotin, and vitamins including B1, B2, B6, C and E. Sea Buckthorn is a source of healthy fats and is thought to be one of the only plant sources of all four omega fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-7 and omega-9.
Studies have proven effectiveness in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These include high cholesterol, protection from diabetes, outcome improvements in patients with coronary heart disease and liver cirrhosis, decreased risk for development of the common cold as well as decreased common cold symptoms, dry eye symptoms, hypertension, psoriasis, and wrinkle reduction.
Collagen Peptides
Collagen is the the main protein in the body, making up around 30% of the bodies protein composition. Collagen is important in building bones, skin, muscles, ligaments and tendons as well as other body parts such as teeth and blood vessels. Collagen peptides are produced from collagen from cattle, fish, pigs or chicken. They contain numerous amino acids.
Studies have shown effectiveness for collagen in decreasing the signs of aging, pain control and improvement in joint function in knee, hip and hand osteoarthritis.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is needed in various conditions. These include eczema, leaky gut syndrome, weight loss, improved blood sugar control in patients with diabetes, dry skin, muscle soreness after exercise, hypertension, osteopenia, wound healing and skin wrinkles.
Camu Camu
Camu Camu is a fruit native to the Amazon rainforests. Camu Camu is very rich in Vitamin C and also contains antioxidants, potassium and magnesium
There is limited research into the effectiveness of Camu Camu and treatment of disease but it is commonly used in for asthma, atherosclerosis, cataracts, herpes labialis (cold sores), common cold, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, gingivitis, glaucoma, headache, osteoarthritis, and herpes zoster (shingles).
Schisandra Berry
Studies have shown effectiveness of Schisandra Berry for improved cognitive health and liver disease.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These conditions include improvements in coordination and endurance during exercise, Familial Mediterranean Fever, symptoms of menopause and pneumonia.
Schisandra Berry is known to be an antioxidant with anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects as well protection of the liver.
Cacao
Cacoa (cocoa) bean powder is a great source of polyphenol antioxidants which are thought to have beneficial effects on health.
Cacoa has been shown to be effective in decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease and hypertension.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These conditions include skin changes associated with aging, chronic fatigue syndrome, anxiety, depression, cirrhosis, chronic constipation, decrease in risk for diabetes, stroke and heart failure, and improved cognitive function.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a perennial herb of the mint family that can be used as an oil, leaf, extract of leaf, or tea
Peppermint has been proven to be effective in the reduction of symptoms related to irritable bowel syndrome. Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These conditions include dyspepsia, esophageal spasm, breast engorgement related to breast feeding, pressure ulcers and tension headaches.
Mushrooms
Lions Mane
Lions mane mushrooms have been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. They have been found to contain numerous antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Preliminary studies have been done, but further research is needed to confirm effectiveness of Lions Mane on conditions such as dementia, gastritis, decreasing blood sugar, improvement in energy, high cholesterol, antioxidant effects, prevention of alcohol related liver disease, neuroprotection from Parkinson’s Disease and vascular disease, anxiety and depression.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi mushrooms are thought to have antibacterial, anticancer, antiviral and antioxidant properties.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These include Alzheimer’s Disease, BPH, improved response to chemotherapy, reduction in symptoms of coronary heart disease, improved blood sugar, herpes infection, hepatitis infection.
Chaga Mushroom
Chaga mushrooms have been used in many cultures for years to improve overall health, fight inflammation and increase immunity through its antioxidant powers.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These include anticancer, diabetes control, improvement in cholesterol.
Cordyceps Mushroom
Cordyceps mushrooms are have been used in Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These include improved athletic performance, asthma, improved kidney function in chronic kidney disease, treatment of diabetes, hepatitis B treatment, improved immune function, improved cholesterol as well as prevention of arrhythmias.
Astragalus
Astragalus is common in Chinese Medicine and is thought to decrease inflammation and improve the immune system.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These conditions include allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic fatigue, chemotherapy side effects, liver cirrhosis, diabetes control, heart failure, and menopause symptoms.
Ashwagndha
Studies have shown effectiveness for Ashwagndha to decrease stress and cortisol levels in adults with chronic stress.
Preliminary studies have shown benefits, but further research is need in various conditions. These conditions include anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, high cholesterol, diabetes control, subclinical hypothyroidism, male infertility, arthritis symptoms.
As you can see, research has shown positive health benefits of these superfoods and adaptogens!. Further research is needed to conclude the extent of their power, but many studies look very promising.
PLEASE NOTE: As with ALL medications, herbs and supplements you should ALWAYS check with your physician first prior to starting. There are potential side effects, contraindications, medication interactions and adverse reactions with all medications, herbs and supplements that need to be discussed on an individual basis between you and your physician. This is not medical advice nor have any of these statements been evaluated by the FDA.
Talk to your doctor and see which superfoods and adaptogens might be great for you!
Enjoy!
