Herbs in Exercise
Nature is perhaps the strongest and most long-lasting force any of us will ever experience, and believe it or not, when she’s not busy throwing her tantrums or playing guessing games, she’s on our side. We exercise to become the best version of ourselves, but the difference between an “okay” workout and a “great” workout is a little secret called Mother Nature.
Looking to improve your health and lifestyle naturally? Schedule an herbal consultation today to see how you can benefit from a natural lifestyle!
Joint Function and Mobility
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) supports the body’s inflammatory response. Additionally its antioxidant benefits aid in recovery after a workout, including the pain that comes from weight lifting or body workouts. This is thanks to circumens, the active ingredient in Turmeric responsible for its bright yellow coloring. Circumens have also been shown to bolster your immune system by supporting the production of proteins that help naturally regulate immune cell function.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Health
Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Encourages healthy metabolism of sugars to help fuel a successful workout and provides your body antioxidant support. It has also been researched to have a slight anabolic, or muscle-building effect, when combined with additional caffeine for those who lift weights often or for individuals who may be losing muscle mass due to age.
Energy and Stamina Beet root (Beta sp.) the hearty root vegetable commonly found in gardens! While the whole plant is edible the roots have been found to be especially valuable to athletes. Beets contain a large amount of inorganic nitrates. These compounds are the precursor to a very important signalling molecule that our body needs to function- Nitric Oxide (NO). NO is made naturally within our bodies but we can dramatically increase its availability by eating nitrate rich food such as beets. Studies have found that consuming beet juice prior to workouts can improve race times and reduce fatigue. Beets are not going to make you fast on their own, but for the athlete that cares about marginal gains, they could provide the race-winning boost. New products such as concentrated beet shots now make it convenient to consume on race day, and it’s ideal to do so 2-3 hours before the big race. What to do next? Have more questions about how to utilize herbs as a secret weapon? Contact us to schedule an herbal consultation, let us help you optimize your workouts and improve your lifestyle.
