In this two-part series, we explore the dangers of stress and present tips to start you on the pathway towards better mental and physical acuity, not to mention vastly improved skin using adaptogens and antioxidants. Let’s crack in!!
Do you really need multivitamins or supplements? From gummies to pill form to powder, nowadays the market for vitamins and minerals is larger and more popular than ever. Your body needs a good balance of vitamins to keep your body at its best. According to an article by John Hopkins Medicine, in most cases eating a well-balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and lean protein is enough to give you the vitamins you need.
However, if you rely on different vitamin supplements to treat or prevent a specific vitamin deficiency detected by your doctor, make sure to get supplements that actually contain the recommended amount of the vitamin you need. Whether you have a diet boosted in good eating or a not-so-balanced diet that needs a little help, adaptogens and antioxidants can help align your everyday health even more.
The Role of Adaptogens and Antioxidants
Adaptogens—consumable herbs that can aid your body—help our bodies in reacting to or recovering from both short- and long-term mental and/or physical stressors. While other adaptogens are used to boost overall health and immunity.
Here are a few of the most important adaptogens to boost overall health and immunity during these crazy times.
Spirulina
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae found in freshwater and saltwater. Popularly used in Aztec culture, this superfood is commonly mixed in smoothies and juices. The health benefits for this microalgae include antioxidants and immune-boosting properties such as vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Spirulina also has anti-inflammatory properties from its main component phycocyanin.
Holy Basil
Holy Basil can be taken during the daytime and before bed, to give you a natural calming effect. This herb can also lower sugar levels and enhance digestion. It also acts as a nootropic (a cerebral stimulant), which can increase memory, focus, and concentration.
This herb reduces stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is an immune amphoteric, which means it will help with immune deficiencies or autoimmune disease. It’s also rich in iron, so it is a plus for women.
Goji Berry
You’ve probably heard of goji berries at your local smoothie or acai bowl store. This popular berry boosts energy, physical and mental performance, creates calmness, and can also improve sleep.
American Ginseng
A very popular herb, ginseng is believed to boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and help manage sexual dysfunction for men.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice that comes from the turmeric root that boosts brain function and works as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent. It has been scientifically-proven health benefits, such as the potential to prevent heart disease, cancer and improve symptoms of arthritis.
Maca Root
Maca root is a Peruvian cruciferous vegetable, used for endurance, stamina, healthy libido and vitality. If you’re looking for energy…this is a big one for boosting energy. The root also promotes natural antioxidants in the body, which can help fight off free radicals.
Remember, always work with your primary care physician before you begin to add supplements to your health and wellness routines. Herbs and adaptogens can interact with prescription medications, and in some cases may not be appropriate to take with certain diagnoses. Your wellness journey is all about finding what works for you. If it works for you and is not harming you…stick to the plan and thrive with it!
Now for Antioxidants…
Antioxidants are widely used in over-the-counter and cosmeceutical skincare cosmetics. They are used topically to address a variety of cosmetic skin concerns and are associated with anti-aging and skin-protective properties.
Discover what research has to say about adaptogens and antioxidants and skin wellbeing, as well as how to maximize the benefit of an antioxidant skincare product.
Antioxidants: What Are They?
Antioxidant is a buzzword that is often used in the health and cosmetics industries. Many individuals, though, are unsure about what antioxidants are and why they are so beneficial to your body.
Antioxidants are a class of naturally occurring substances that save the cells from oxidative stress.
Your body produces certain antioxidants on its own. It just does not produce enough. Antioxidants consumed through food or supplements make up the difference.
Although there is some evidence that antioxidant supplements are not as good as eating foods rich in antioxidants. New fruits and vegetables are especially high in antioxidants. They are important for the overall wellbeing of the body, not just your face.
Free Radicals and Antioxidants
To gain a comprehensive understanding of antioxidants, it is essential to first understand free radicals. Free radicals are electron-deficient compounds.
Normal, everyday bodily functions result in the formation of these molecules. Digestion is a prime example. Exposure to excessive heat, pollution, radiation, and tobacco smoke also creates free radicals. These are only a few of the causes.
Free radicals, according to the free radical hypothesis of aging, are responsible for inflammation and premature aging of the body, including the skin. These unstable molecules circulate, capturing electrons from other molecules and causing damage to healthy cells.
Antioxidants are free radicals’ polar opposites. By donating an electron, they neutralize free radicals. This effectively neutralizes the free radical, preventing it from causing cell damage.
Adaptogens and Antioxidants function as a barrier against ageing and illness.
While free radicals have a poor name, they are not entirely evil. For instance, the immune system utilizes free radicals to aid in the battle against bacteria. As a result, they are critical to the way your body works.
The issue arises where the number of free radicals exceeds the number of antioxidants. Without sufficient antioxidants to control excess free radicals, they are free to cause cell harm.
Adaptogens and Antioxidants: Benefits in Skin Care
Adaptogens and antioxidants abound in fresh, nutritious foods. Numerous studies confirm that consuming a diet high in antioxidants will help slow the ageing process and keep you alive for longer.
Numerous skincare brands integrate antioxidants into their preparations in order to provide the antioxidant effects to the skin directly. The effectiveness of antioxidants added topically is still unknown. Many studies point towards topical antioxidants having a slew of benefits. Other studies are still ongoing.
UV protection: Sun damage is a significant factor in the ageing of the skin. When combined with sunscreen, antioxidants can help provide protection against UV damage. Calm inflammation: Free radicals by their very nature cause inflammation. Antioxidants may aid in inflammatory reduction and can have a calming effect on the skin.
Prevent premature aging: Topical antioxidants can improve the appearance of the skin and shield it from extrinsic aging (for instance, premature aging caused by external factors like chronic sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and more). However, antioxidants do not seem to delay intrinsic (chronological) ageing.
Adaptogens and Antioxidants: More to Come…
Part Two of this series will continue with more pros and cons in our ongoing discussion of adaptogens and antioxidants and how they contribute to reduced stress levels and healthier skin, as well as exploring the habits that we have that are keeping us from a stress free existence. We’ll catch you in the next episode…
[…] But if you would like to start at the beginning of this series, you can click HERE. […]