Interview with superfood expert Sandro Russo
Adaptogens are the new buzzword in the beauty and superfood industry. After Gwyneth Paltrow turned these special natural products into a trend, they're taking juice bars, beauty stores, and lifestyle magazines by storm. But what are adaptogens? Sandro Russo, superfood expert and founder of Terra Elements, answers all your questions about adaptogenic natural products.
What are adaptogens?
Sandro Russo : "Natural products said to have adaptogenic properties are able to help the body adapt to everyday life. The term was defined in the 1950s and derives from the English word 'to adapt'.
By consuming adaptogenic natural products, our bodies can more easily find their natural balance: In stressful phases, they support us in relaxation; in lethargic moments, they have a motivating effect.
Which natural products have an adaptogenic effect?
Sandro Russo : "The spectrum is so broad that it is almost impossible to compile a definitive list of adaptogens. The classics of TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) and Ayurveda include:
Astragalus , also known as star milk, is used in TCM for anti-aging purposes. Its root is primarily used, as it is believed to balance our life energy, Qi. A variety of secondary plant substances contribute to its adaptogenic effect.
Ashwagandha , or winter cherry, is the Ayurvedic answer to ginseng. It is valued by stressed people. As its nickname, "winter cherry," suggests, the herbaceous plant is also recommended for restless sleep.
Reishi , the glossy polypore, is one of the most important medicinal mushrooms in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In natural history, it is considered the 'mushroom of longevity' and is revered as a symbol of eternal life. Thanks to its valuable ingredients, it is said to have a balancing effect on stress levels.
Maca , the superfood of the Incas, is characterized in the Peruvian Andes by its exceptional resistance to external environmental influences. The root has a long tradition among indigenous peoples not only as a food but also as an adaptogen.
How do we use adaptogens?
Sandro Russo : "Most adaptogenic natural products cannot be consumed in their natural form—either due to their consistency, their composition, or their growth in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, they are usually taken as powders. In finely ground form, the mushrooms, herbs, and roots can be easily integrated into daily life in a variety of ways.
Medicinal mushrooms like reishi are traditionally prepared as tea. Ashwagandha is often brewed in Ayurveda as a warming milk drink. Maca is a popular ingredient in smoothies and chia puddings. If you're not up for kitchen experiments, you can also stir the powder into a glass of water.
And on the road?
Sandro Russo : "Capsules are particularly convenient for on-the-go use. However, caution is advised when purchasing: The capsule should be 100% filled with the natural product and free of any filler additives such as maltodextrin. To avoid being duped by mixed products with low doses of adaptogens, it's definitely worth taking a close look at the ingredient list."
What else should we look for when buying adaptogens?
Sandro Russo : "To ensure that the product contains all the constituents of the plant, root, or fungus, all raw food quality criteria should be met. This means: no contact with temperatures above 42 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, I would only use products from certified organic farming. And as already mentioned: stay away from products with additives, fillers, or excipients. Adaptogens have absolutely no need for these."
About Terra Elements
With over 100 superfoods, Terra Elements is Germany's specialist for effective natural products. The goal is not only to make these often hard-to-find herbs, roots, fruits, and other ingredients available in the highest, purest quality, but also to make them accessible from a variety of perspectives – since 2014 in its own online shop and since November 2017 in Germany's first superfood store in Munich. In addition to over 100 superfoods, the Terra Elements online shop's product range includes natural dietary supplements, 100% vegan natural cosmetics, and raw food products. Furthermore, as an organic-certified company, Terra Elements places great emphasis on the organic quality of its products and an ecologically sustainable lifestyle and working practices.
Images © Terra Elements
