Hi Jimi,
The idea of boosting health
naturally is a simple one.
But the terms can get confusing.
Take
adaptogens, for example. What are they? What do they have to do with “adapting?”
And what is a
superfood? How is it different from an
adaptogen, or antioxidants for that matter?
Can one food or herb be all these things together?
Healthy foods and healing herbs come in many forms and could have all sorts of benefits. With so much overlapping, it’s hard to sort out what’s what, figure out what effects you’re really looking for, or determine which is best for you and your goals.
We humans love to categorize things! And while it’s tricky to keep track at first, it’s easier to make sense of them all than you might think.
ADAPTOGENS
Adaptogens are arguably the most potent for health-boosting in the bunch. These tend to be herbs or even powerful mushrooms. But that doesn’t mean adaptogens can’t also be defined or enjoyed as nutritious foods or spices, too.
Some of the most well-known adaptogens are reishi mushroom, ginseng, ashwagandha, rhodiola, tulsi/holy basil, and even turmeric, the common kitchen spice.
The bottom line: adaptogens help the body adapt to anything that could bring unhealthiness or disease.
This means these natural foods and remedies can
modulate immune response, protect against stress, curb inflammation, fight free radicals, and generally boost health from all sorts of different angles, in a manner of speaking.
Much of the benefit can be correlated to highly unique phytochemicals found within these foods and remedies.
SUPERFOODS
These are a shade different, and are also strictly foods like their name suggests (almost always plant or fungus-based). And they’re “super” because they contain way more nutrients than the average food (super, indeed).
That said, something like kale can be called a superfood, but it also works like an adaptogen.
It’s full of a very high number of vitamins, minerals, and even unique antioxidants and phytochemicals! Compared to most other foods, it’s truly amazing for health,
because it both supplies nutrition and protects.
And there’s another term some people might get confused by: antioxidant.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are not herbs or even foods. They’re actually nutrients, just like vitamins or minerals. So, some vitamins and minerals
are antioxidants. And some adaptogens work their magic for health due to antioxidants, too!
What antioxidants do is complex. No doubt about it, they are incredible.
They prevent “oxidation” of cells and fight free radicals— basically, “rogue” cells that increase disease risk, accelerate aging, and can cause cancer.
When it comes to antioxidants? The more, the better.
The same goes for adaptogens and superfoods.
And when you look at them closely: they’re not so different.
Get as many of these foods, herbs, and nutrients in for the best and balanced natural wellness boost you could possibly get.
Stay healthy my friends.
To a healing future,
Rob
The Need To GROW / Earth Conscious Life
www.naturalnews.com
