Ginseng plants contain ginsenosides, adaptogens that may regulate physiological function to maintain normal homeostatic control. Withania, also called ashwagandha, is another plant that contains adaptogenic chemicals (withanolides) that have similar adaptogenic properties to ginsenosides. One of the main mechanisms by which adaptogens may regulate homeostasis is through lowering of cortisol levels and reductions in the amount of stress hormones released following environmental challenges (such as exercise or other stressors). A growing list of adaptogenic plants is providing evidence that such properties are perhaps more widely present in plants than was previously thought. It is currently unknown if all plants possess adaptogenic properties, but certainly a large number of them do. Eating a diet high in a wide variety of plants, herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables may therefore confer significant adaptogenic properties on the consumer than may in turn give significant health benefits.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
