Adaptogens: What are they? An electrical component?!
Interview by Andréa Marcelli, manager of Soil Seed
For me, they embody a fascinating mystery and further proof of the intelligence of the plant world as a sensitive universe, capable of communicating, of adapting... As the philosopher Quentin Herniau says, "the intelligence" of plants is precisely intrinsically linked to their corporeality: their ability to adapt to their environment comes mainly through their growth and modifications to their body."
But what are adaptogens?
The European Medicines Agency gives this definition: "An adaptogen is defined as a substance that has the ability to normalize body functions and strengthen the organism under stress." As such, adaptogens are plants that have long been used in traditional medicine, both Eastern and Western. They grow wild in particularly inhospitable areas of the planet. Such as deserts, mountains and arid lands. For this reason, they are very resistant organisms, with a strong capacity to adapt to extreme conditions. These special qualities are transmitted to humans when they ingest them.
Their main property, hence their name, is to adapt differently to each individual according to their specific needs, helping them to combat the various consequences of stress that are the cause of about 90% of diseases and aging. Each individual is a different biotope that the plant analyzes and responds to.
They provide personalized support in terms of immunity, energy, endurance, concentration and mood stability. They act at the cellular and metabolic level by promoting homeostasis, a state of balance leading to a state of general well-being, both physical and psychological.
The positive effects of adaptogens will be felt by consuming them every day for at least two to three weeks per month. After about a hundred days, you will notice clear physical and mental benefits.
Here is a list of our favorite adaptogens:
Maca:
Sacred root that grows at about 4000m in the Andes. Plant rich in precious nutrients, beneficial at any age. The main benefits of maca are to gently strengthen liveliness, sexual vitality, memory and recovery after exercise. With a little full-bodied touch, maca provides the body with tone and energy.
The Nopal:
Legendary cactus with fascinating flowers and the subtle scent of its fruits, the nopal is a plant that has certainly not yet revealed all its secrets. Rich in fiber, calcium and magnesium (bone strengthening). Its pectin thickens when mixed with certain liquids such as water. An emblematic plant in Mexico for thousands of years, the Nopal has developed, thanks to its adaptability, throughout the Mediterranean basin.
The cat's claw:
Amazonian tribes have considered this plant a panacea for nearly two millennia, serving as a remedy for all types of problems, both physical and mental. Cat's claw Sol Semilla, collected wild, dried and powdered, is a powerful adaptogen that helps maintain flexible joints.
Spirulina:
Spirulina is a blue microalgae source of proteins and fibers. It is a little apart, rarely classified among adaptogens, it nevertheless has adaptogenic qualities. Antioxidant, our spirulina is indeed also rich in Iron, Vit. A, K and B12. Recommended at all ages, this superfood is an essential asset in your daily life.
The Klamath:
Klamath is considered the most complete food on the planet as well as the densest adaptogen. Its astonishing concentration of micronutrients, vitamins, trace elements makes it a complete and balanced food with unmatched nutritional powers. Klamath algae contains no less than 115 nutrients. Feel free to explore our case on this exceptional food.
A new challenge for Sol Semilla: mushrooms
Today at Sol Semilla we are also interested in medicinal mushrooms, powerful adaptogens not to be confused with hallucinogenic mushrooms! Like microalgae, mushrooms have allowed, billions of years ago, the flourishing of plant and animal life on earth. Today, still like microalgae, they are revolutionizing the food and nutritional fields but also those of the environment and energy production. For the American mycologist Paul Stamets , Mushrooms May, Quite Simply, Save the World.
From a nutritional point of view, mushrooms such as Reishi, Cordyceps, Maitake, have all the characteristics of adaptogens and a very rich nutritional composition. They are an interesting source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, antioxidants and fibers. They are therefore superfoods, that is to say natural foods with exceptional nutritional value also having this ability to adapt, thanks to their own benefits, to the needs of each person.
Sol Semilla's mission is to offer a richer, more diversified diet by making superfoods accessible to as many people as possible, and by connecting them to living food with low ecological impact.
The botanical heritage of the Amazon and the Andes, in which Sol Semilla has specialized for over ten years, will soon be enriched by the fascinating one of medicinal mushrooms. They will be offered in pure powders or via succulent homemade recipes. Our mushrooms will be traced and organic, possibly produced locally.
