Go for the gold?
Meghan Markle recently described her preferred pregnancy drink as “woo woo,” but the brew may have concrete benefits.
“During my pregnancies, I worked with an Ayurvedic doctor, focusing on the idea that food can act as medicine,” Markle, 43, shared on the latest episode of her podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder.”
Markle was speaking with Hannah Mendoza, the founder of Clevr Blends, a brand known for its superfood lattes and teas, including Markle’s favorite, the Golden SuperLatte.
Markle mentioned that mushrooms, which serve as significant adaptogenic components in several of Mendoza’s products like the Golden SuperLatte, often have a “hippie” image that puzzles some consumers.
“If you aren’t familiar with adaptogens, you can go to this place of, ‘Oh, it’s feeling a little psychedelic and super woo woo,’ but what we’re talking about is, in some ways, is food trends, which you were ahead of the curve on,” Markle told Mendoza.
What are adaptogens?
Adaptogens are herbs, roots and plants that support the nervous system, reduce stress, promote cognitive function, balance the body and boost mood and immunity.
“Adaptogens are really interesting because [they’re] a little bit vague, but essentially they are a combination of herbs and roots and other plants, like mushrooms,” Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a primary care provider with One Medical in Phoenix, told The Post.
“They’re supposed to restore balance in our body and help our bodies manage stress,” Bhuyan added. “But people in the adaptogen industry say that it affects every single person differently.”
In addition to probiotics, oat milk and coconut cream, the Golden SuperLatte contains the adaptogens ashwagandha, lion’s mane and reishi mushrooms.
Ashwagandha, a shrub native to Asia and Africa and a staple of Ayurvedic medicine, is known to help regulate the body’s stress response by normalizing cortisol levels.
A 2021 analysis of seven studies found that ashwagandha significantly reduced stress and anxiety while improving sleep quality and fatigue compared to a placebo.
In a 2022 clinical trial by the University of Colorado involving 60 students, participants who took ashwagandha root extract for 30 days reported improved well-being, a sense of calm, better energy and heightened mental clarity.
Other studies have suggested that ashwagandha may help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, boost cognitive abilities and enhance athletic performance.
Used for centuries for their healing properties, lion’s mane mushrooms contain two compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that might help stimulate the growth of brain cells.
A 2020 study found that taking capsules of lion’s mane every day for 49 weeks might bring about significant improvements in cognitive health among people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The supplement has also been linked to better cognitive functioning for people with mild cognitive impairment, but more studies are needed to establish any consistent or significant cognitive benefit.
Reishi mushrooms are commonly used to treat cancer in Asia, according to the National Cancer Institute. These medicinal mushrooms support the function of the adrenal glands.
A 2020 study found that reishi treatment reduced stress-induced brain inflammation in rats exposed to low oxygen levels and helped protect against nerve damage and memory impairment.
What are the benefits of turmeric?
The gold in the Golden SuperLatte comes from turmeric, a spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant.
This root contains curcumin, a compound rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
By reducing inflammation and oxidative damage, curcumin shields the brain from stressors that lead to cognitive decline.
As The Post reported, turmeric has been shown to ease symptoms of indigestion, lower the risk of heart disease, fight depression and improve memory.
Known as the “gold” of the plant kingdom, turmeric also supports liver detoxification and acts as a natural painkiller.
The Golden SuperLatte includes additional organic ingredients that can boost overall health.
Black pepper contains piperine, a compound that may improve memory and cognitive function by increasing neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Piperine has also been shown to aid the body’s absorption of other nutrients from food and supplements.
The brew also has cinnamon. A daily dose of cinnamon may help ward off diabetes, as the spice helps balance blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance.
Stable blood sugar is crucial for optimizing brain function throughout the day and preventing neurodegenerative diseases.
Also on the good-for-you ingredient list? Ginger.
Used in Chinese and Indian medicine for thousands of years, ginger comes from the roots of the Zingiber officinale plant. It contains the compound gingerol, which has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
As The Post reported, ginger neutralizes free radicals, which cause oxidative stress and contribute to cellular damage and aging.
Its powers also enhance the body’s ability to burn calories, making the spice a boon to dieters.
The royal-approved bevvie also features antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which contains catechins like EGCG that can reduce the risk of chronic diseases by helping to protect against cellular damage.
