What The Heck Are Adaptogens?

Did you hear the exciting news? We’ve just launched our brand new 310 Shake featuring “all-in-one” plant-based nutrition, including a triple protein blend, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, digestive enzymes, superfoods, and adaptogens.

Three bags of 310's new all-in-one shake blend

Although you may have heard the word “adaptogens” used more and more often lately, you may not know exactly what they are and how they can potentially benefit you and your health. To learn more about adaptogens — including the six you can find in our brand-new shake! — and how they can support your total wellness, we’re breaking it all down for you here.

And make sure to explore our brand-new blend, with exciting flavors such as Chocolate Bliss, Vanilla Creme, and Caramel Sundae.

What Are Adaptogens?

Medicinal mushrooms and adaptogens in spoons and on a table

Adaptogens are plants such as herbs, mushrooms, and fungi used to help the body adapt and respond to stress. Adaptogens help to create a calming state of homeostasis or balance in the body. And they’ve been shown to exhibit anti-fatigue effects that may help improve mental and physical productivity.

Although they’ve only recently gained popularity in Western countries, they’ve been used for centuries in China, India, and other parts of the world as part of healing traditions. So while we still have so much more to learn about adaptogens, we have thousands of years of traditional medicine as proof that there’s something extra special about these plants!

Adaptogen Health Benefits

Different adaptogens on a cutting board

While research is still ongoing on the benefits of adaptogens, early studies show that these mushrooms, herbs, and fungi may help improve cognitive functioning, assist in reducing stress, boost immunity, and enhance energy.

Let’s take a deeper look at each of these benefits!

Improve cognitive functioning and memory

Early results show that adaptogens like lion’s mane and maca root may improve cognitive function through better focus, memory, and concentration. These adaptogens may help to regenerate cells in the hippocampus region of the brain, which is responsible for learning and memory.

In one study on 50 to 80-year old Japanese men and women with mild cognitive impairment, for example, those taking lion’s mane showed increased cognitive function compared to the control group.

Decrease stress

Adaptogens also impact your body’s response to stress, helping to create more balance in your hormones. This balance makes it easier for your brain and nervous system to react to your stress as opposed to feeling overwhelmed.

In a Forbes review of several studies, they found that ashwagandha could help reduce anxiety compared to a placebo. Studies on lion’s mane also found that this adaptogen can help reduce symptoms of anxiety in mice thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. While not a cure for anxiety, stress, or depression, adaptogens can work alongside other solutions to help in reducing higher stress levels.

Boost immunity

Studies have shown that some adaptogens interact with your immune-neuro-endocrine system, which helps regulate your body’s immune system and fight against certain infections.

Reishi mushrooms are especially helpful in supporting a healthy immune system, with some studies demonstrating their ability to boost your white blood cell count.

Chaga mushrooms can also help create a healthy balance in the body by stimulating or slowing down your immune system, depending on what it needs.

Reduce fatigue

Because adaptogens help create a state of homeostasis or balance in your body, this can help boost your energy levels in the process. When your body is better prepared to manage stress and maintains a higher level of cognitive function, this increases your attention, focus, and energy.

Some adaptogens are especially useful for their energy-boosting properties that help fight the effects of fatigue, such as reishi, cordyceps, and lion’s mane. In a study done on mice, researchers found that a diet including lion’s mane resulted in both greater muscular endurance and energy levels. And instead of reaching for sugar or caffeine, which give energy that eventually wears off, with adaptogens, you build up your body’s response to stress and fatigue over time.

Adaptogens in 310

You can eat adaptogens directly, but they’re more easily consumed through supplements like our new 310 shake formula which offers six different adaptogens in an easy, on-the-go drink.

Included in our 310 Adaptogen Blend are six of some of the most popular adaptogens including:

Chaga Mushroom
Cordyceps Mushroom
Lions Mane Mushroom
Reishi Mushroom
Ashwagandha
Maca Root

Each adaptogen has its own unique function that plays a role in the health benefits mentioned above, plus the unexplored benefits that have yet to be uncovered. Combined together, our 310 Adaptogen Blend makes an optimal solution for your health and wellness.

Learn more about the popular adaptogens you’ll find in our 310 Shake:

Chaga

Chaga mushroom on a piece of tree bark

Chaga mushroom grows on birch and other trees in colder climates. Chaga is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, including B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, potassium, rubidium, cesium, amino acids, fiber, copper, selenium, zinc, iron, manganese, magnesium, and calcium.

Studies show that its antioxidant properties may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and support the prevention of other health problems caused by oxidative stress.

Cordyceps

Cordycep mushrooms with white background

Next, cordyceps is found at high altitudes of the Himalayan plateau. It’s a common ingredient in traditional Chinese and Tibetan medicine. Cordycepin, a bioactive compound found in cordyceps, contains therapeutic potential due to its high antioxidant properties.

The fungus is also incredibly nutrient-rich with proteins, fats, essential amino acids, oils, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, as well as various types of carbohydrates including a high-fiber content.

Lions Mane

Lion's mane mushroom

Lion’s mane is a delicacy in many Asian countries including China, India, Japan, and Korea. The mushroom, which grows on the trunks of hardwood trees, is gaining popularity in Western regions of the world thanks to its potential health benefits.

These include helping to reduce inflammation, boosting the health of your immune system, lowering stress levels, and enhancing your mental function and memory. Some studies also show that lion’s mane could have prebiotic properties that can help support healthy digestion.

Reishi

Reishi mushroom adaptogen

The reishi fungus is a tough, woody, and bitter mushroom grown in parts of Asia. Early studies report many potential health benefits of the mushroom including blood glucose regulation, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects.

It can also help boost your immune system through cellular and molecular mechanisms and help to reduce fatigue and depression. We need more research to fully understand this mushroom’s benefits. However, early animal studies are indicating just how powerful of an adaptogen this mushroom can be.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha is often used to help reduce stress, inflammation, and blood pressure and can also help support a healthy immune system.

In one study they found that participants taking Ashwagandha had significant improvement in sleep quality and stress compared to the placebo group. The herb also has antioxidant properties and could help protect against cellular damage from free radicals.

Maca Root

Dried maca root

Maca is a vegetable and traditional herbal medicine grown and cultivated for thousands of years in the high altitudes of Peru. Maca is rich in many chemicals, including fatty and amino acids.

Maca has grown in popularity in the U.S. over the past couple of decades. While we need more research to prove its health benefits, it’s a promising adaptogen with a lot of potential for supporting long-term health and disease prevention.

Do Adaptogens Have Side Effects?

Adaptogens are nontoxic herbs, mushrooms, and fungi that are safe for most people to enjoy with minimal to no side effects. However, like other plants, they can cause allergic reactions in some people. And some studies say that adaptogens could negatively interact with certain prescription medications.

If you’re uncertain how adaptogens might affect you and your health, consult with your doctor to determine what’s best for you.

Shop Our Brand-New 310 Shake

Adaptogens have been shown to offer numerous health benefits for both the brain and body. And we’re just getting started understanding the full potential of these powerful fungi and herbs!

Take care of yourself with better nutrition, including powerful superfoods and superherbs every day with the new 310 “All-In-One” Shake blend!

Shop our exciting new flavors and add some adaptogens to your diet today!

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What The Heck Are “Adaptogens” And How Might They Benefit You?