Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub with yellow flowers, native to India & Southeast Asia, and
forms one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress:
- Helps control mediators of stress in the body.
- Reduces activity of system which mediates the stress response in the body.
- Relieves anxiety.
- Improves sleep quality.
- It has beneficial effects on athletic performance:
- Enhances physical performance, including strength & oxygen use during exercise.
- Significantly enhances maximum oxygen consumption (VO 2 max) in healthy adults & athletes.
- Helps increase muscle strength.
- Helps increase testosterone levels & male fertility.
- Reduces blood sugar levels through the activity of powerful anti-diabetic compounds.
- Reduces inflammation.
- Improves cognitive functions.
- * Healthline, 07/01-2022.
Valerian Root
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is an herb that grows wild in many parts of the world. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- Valerian root contains compounds that promote calmness by increasing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid
which is one of the main neurotransmitters responsible for sleep regulation) availability in the body and
interacting with certain receptors involved in mood and sleep. - Eases anxious feelings that occur in response to stressful situations.
- Improves symptoms of OCD
- Reduces hyperactivity behaviours.
- Improves sleep quality & alleviates symptoms of depression.
- Relieves certain menopausal symptoms.
- Relieves certain menstrual symptoms.
- * Healthline, 21/12-2021.
Raw Cacao
Raw (organic) cacao is different from the common cocoa. Cacao refers to the Theobroma Cacao tree from which Cocoa is derived, and is used when referring to unprocessed versions of the cacao bean. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- It has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries. It has an ORAC score of 98,000 per 100g, vs blueberries at
2,400. ORAC scores measure the ability of antioxidants to absorb free radicals (that come from pollution and
toxins in our environment,) which cause cell & tissue damage and can lead to diseases such as cancer. - It’s the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at 13.9 mg per 100g. This compares to beef & lamb
at 2.5 mg, & spinach at 3.6 mg. - It’s one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium. Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and
helps turn glucose into energy enabling the brain to work more effectively. - It has more calcium than cow’s milk at 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.
- It’s a great source of serotonin, tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylethylamine. These neurotransmitters are
associated with feelings of wellbeing, happiness, & can even alleviate depression.
o * Begoodorganic.com
Red Kratom
Red Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) commonly known as kratom, is an herbal leaf from a tree of the Rubiaceae family, which is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family native to Southeast Asia. This species has red veins on the leaves, hence the name. Research indicates that it may have the following health benefits*:
- Kratom’s analgesic effects are similar to those of some opioids (morphine or codeine.)
- The active ingredient in kratom is called mitragynine which binds to opioid receptors in the brain, relieving
pain:- Provides antidepressant & anti-anxiety effects.
- Enhances mood.
- Has mild sedative effects.
- Assists with pain, muscle aches & fatigue
- * Healthline, 19/12-2018.
