Adaptogens such as ashwagandha and maca are popping up everywhere due to their many health benefits. But what are adaptogens exactly and why may you want to consider swapping out your daily cup of Joe for them?
First lets talk about coffee and caffeine and it’s effect on the body:
Coffee (caffeine) stimulates your sympathetic nervous system and your adrenal glands, sending adrenaline to the brain, causing a “fight or flight” response. This may put your body in a state of stress, which can burn out your adrenal glands, put stress on your digestive tract, and even weaken your immune system. While more energy is made available to your muscles and your heart rate increases, non-essential systems like digestion and immunity are given a much lower priority. If you are a regular coffee drinker, you may not feel the effects of adrenaline as much since your adrenals are used to the amount of caffeine and thus you will need even more caffeine to signal adrenaline to the brain. The more caffeine consumed, the more stress put on your adrenals to produce adrenaline.
I’ve never been much of a coffee drinker and have recently been drinking matcha for its calmer effect. But I’ve been in search for a non-caffeinated beverage that will give me energy without that jittery feeling that caffeine or coffee gives. Roll in the adaptogens!!
What are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens are a class of healing plants that may help with energy, mood boosting, and anxiety, with ashwagandha being one of the top adaptogen herbs popping up everywhere. They basically help our bodies adapt to stress.
Ashwagandha is shown through studies that it may treat adrenal fatigue, reduce anxiety and depression, help with stress, and boost immunity. To read more about the benefits of this medicinal herb, check out Dr. Axe’s article about Ashwagandha Benefits Thyroid and Adrenals.
Maca has been another commonly used adaptogen that has been known to help with energy levels and boost mood. You can read more about it in my post here: Maca and its Major Health Benefits.
How can you include Adaptogens in your diet?
I like to add 1/2 teaspoon of Sun Potion’s Ashwagandha Root Extract and 1/2 teaspoon of Healthwork’s Maca Powder to my morning Cacao Turmeric Latte. You can also add into any hot beverage or soup.
Here is a great recipe to swap for your cup of Joe:
Cacao Turmeric Latte
RECIPE
Serves 1
- 1 cup of your favorite milk (I used homemade walnut mylk)
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (powdered form is fine)
- 1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha powder
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup to taste (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon maca powder
- Pinch of black pepper (to absorb the turmeric)
INSTRUCTIONS
In a saucepan heat the milk and water together until almost at boiling point. Turn to low heat, whisk the cocoa in to the liquid along with the turmeric and ashwagandha powder. The recipe easily doubles to serve more and keeps nicely in a kettle, just give it a good stir if it’s sat for long.
NOTE: You can also heat your water/milk in the microwave and then add to a high speed blender like I did. Just make sure to secure the lid well before blending and DO NOT use a small blender as the liquid is hot and will explode (I learned the hard way).
The cacao is great in this recipe as it gives a chocolate texture, making it taste like hot chocolate!
Hope you all enjoyed this recipe!
To learn more about adaptogens, you can read this article by Dr. Axe: 7 Adaptogen Herbs to Lower Cortisol:
**As always, make sure to do your own research and discuss with your doctor before deciding to introduce a new supplement into your diet.
