What Are Adaptogens, Anyway?

Adaptogens are herbal remedies that can help balance the body’s natural response to stress and fatigue. Look at any Instagram influencer’s feed and you’ll likely find some kind of tonic or smoothie with a handful of these herbs mixed in.

Popular Adaptogens

There are a handful of popular adaptogens on the market today.

Ashwagandha: a coveted herb in Ayurveda, a system of traditional, natural healing with origins in India. The root is the most beneficial part of this small shrub and is well known for its energizing properties, coining the name, “Indian Ginseng.” 

Astragalus: is a perennial plant native to Northern and Eastern China. In addition to its adaptogenic properties, it contains fiber to support digestive health, as well as calcium.

Maca: was used in ancient Peru as a source of nourishment for thousands of years, and it continues to be one of the most appreciated superfoods today. Its earthy taste is slightly nutty with a hint of butterscotch, making it an easy and delicious addition to smoothies, various milks, flour for baking recipes, and more.

Try out adaptogenic herbs for yourself with this delicious and nutritious recipe!

Adaptogen Banana Bread

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups oats, ground into oat flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

1 tsp. BareOrganics Maca Root Powder

1 tsp. BareOrganics Ashwagandha Root Powder

¼ cup cane sugar

¼ cup BareOrganics Coconut Palm Sugar

1 ½ cup of pureed ripe banana

2 tbsp. agave nectar

1/8 tsp. almond extract

¼ cup of coconut oil, melted

¾ cup of soy milk

1 ¾ cup of almond flour

¼ cup of cassava flour

1 egg

¼ cup of almond butter

¼ cup of BareOrganics Cacao Nibs

Directions:

1. In a bowl, stir to combine the oats, baking powder, maca, ashwagandha, cane sugar, coconut palm sugar, almond flour, and cassava flour.
2. Next, add the banana puree, agave nectar, almond extract, coconut oil, soy milk, and egg.
3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
4. Pour the bread batter into a greased bread loaf pan evenly.
5. Next, drizzle the almond butter on top of the banana bread batter.
6. Top the bread batter with cacao nibs.
7. Place the loaf pan in the oven.
8. Bake the banana bread for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or longer if needed.
9. Once the loaf is finished baking, allow it to cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting.
10. Store any leftover bread in the refrigerator.

What are some of your favorite baked goods recipes? Share them in the comments below and they may be featured in a future blog!