Superfoods for Everest Level Endurance

Recently we received a thank you and testimonial from one of our customers who regularly uses our products, stating that they helped him maintain the endurance required to climb the formidable Mount Everest. Here’s what he said: “Having trekked to Everest Base Camp and beyond, my capacity to physically function and perform to a high level, over a sustained period of time, was greatly enhanced having used Indigo Herbs products. My ability to recover more rapidly was also evident. These products were a significant contributing factor to my successful completion of this challenge.” – John McClinton, Nutritionist. So if, like John, you’re into challenging yourself in the realms of endurance then check out our practical list of endurance enhancing herbs and superfoods below, which explains why they can help give you the edge.

Gokshura / Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is commonly used by athletes and body builders as it improves muscle building, stamina and endurance. It is also known to increase stamina, libido and sexual function for men and dramatically improve sexual performance and sensitivity for most women.

Chia Seeds

Aztec and Mayan cultures call Chia seeds “running food” because of their capacity to improve the endurance of runners. One ounce of Chia seeds contains 9 grams of fat (mostly omega-3 fatty acids), 4 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fibre. It also contains a high level of antioxidants, making them a very nutrient-dense energy source. The seeds are small and relatively tasteless.

Bee Pollen

Bee pollen is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants. It helps lift brain fatigue, improve alertness, and help concentration levels, especially when taken regularly. It is also known to bring increased levels of physical energy and vitality, helping with athletic endurance, stamina, recovery and speed.

Walnuts

Walnuts contain an abundance of plant-based protein, B-vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants such as vitamin E. Most of the fat in walnuts is Omega-3 which is good for the heart and brain, and is anti-inflammatory so supports good joint health, which is useful for endurance athletes.  Walnuts make an excellent high energy snack, plus they’re delicious!

Bala / Sida Cordifolia

Studies indicate that Bala has hypoglycaemic properties (helps lower blood pressure), contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory, and is an analgesic (pain relieving). Bala contains a small quanitity of ephedrine, which is a central nervous system stimulant. It is used for weight loss, and boosting physical endurance and strength, often being used by athletes and bodybuilders. It is also known as an Aphrodisiac.

Guarana / Paullinia cupana

Guarana has been popularised and used in many energy drinks, protein bars and herbal formulas. However it is important to look out for pure unadulterated Guarana as unfortunately sometimes these products are pumped full of chemical caffeine. Guarana is known as a stimulant. Yet it has a nervine action which means it has a calming yet uplifting tonic effect. Guarana can help boost energy levels, enhance memory and increase physical endurance. Some people consider it to be more effective than coffee or ginseng at creating an instant energy boost to body and mind. It’s also an anti-oxidant. Try adding some Guarana to a pre-activity shake.

Siberian Ginseng / Eleutherococcus Senticosus

In China Siberian Ginseng has an ancient reputation as a LOVE POTION. This is probably because of its capacity to boost physical endurance, create stamina and endless energy in the user. It helps the body adapt to an extreme environment and fight stress, in the form of exhaustion and physical overwhelm. As an aphrodisiac it helps the body’s wellbeing by soothing burn out caused by too much adrenaline, the effect being that it encourages stamina and strength. Siberian Ginseng stimulates the body’s natural stamina and physical prowess during love making.

Rhodiola Rosea

Because of the adaptogenic effect of Rhodiola rosea it has the ability to increase physical work capacity, improve strength, decrease recovery time, increase endurance, and improve coordination. Clinical studies found it to be more effective than Siberian ginseng at enhancing adaptation to physical stress. Combining Rhodiola Rosea with Siberian Ginseng in a formula is often even more effective than consuming the plants individually, as the two plants are particularly synergistic. The Greeks valued Rhodiola Rosea within their medicine practices, the Vikings depended on the herb to enhance their physical strength and endurance, and Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to bring back “the golden root” for medicinal preparations.

Maca / Lepidium Meyenii

Maca increases energy, stamina and endurance, and as an adaptogen it is good for busting stress. Its adaptogenic properties help calm and regulate the nervous system and bring balance to the cycle of stress. Maca is packed with minerals and vitamins and can also help relieve depression and chronic fatigue.

Goji Berries

Goji Berries, also known as Wolf Berries, contain B-complex vitamins, which are used to convert food into energy. Packed with quickly accessible natural sugars, this dense energy source makes a great snack which can help restore blood sugar levels after or during intensive activity.

Kola Nut

Cola / Kola nut has been said to create a “marked stimulation in human consciousness, giving rise to euphoric states”. It is one of nature’s stimulants, containing caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system, and acts as an anti- depressant. Cola / Kola nut is a nerve tonic and heart tonic. It stimulates concentration, enhances alertness and increases physical endurance. It has been known to improve the mood, suppress the appetite, and stimulate the sex drive.

Cacao / Theobroma Cacao

Famously consumed by millions of people every day, in its processed form; chocolate, cacao in its unprocessed form is far more potent. Cacao lifts the mood and activates the body and the mind, whilst simultaneously reducing the appetite. It comes in especially handy when you need to go that extra mile and wish to do so in good spirits. Cacao comes in the form of Nibs, Raw Chocolate or simply pure Raw Cacao Powder or Raw Cacao Butter.

Endurance Fit for Everest

Try these endurance enhancing herbs and superfoods to discover which ones you find work best for you. Once you’ve made friends with natural endurance enhancer you’ll find it much easier to perform at your best. Best of Luck! And maybe one day we’ll also receive an email from you once you’ve tackled a colossal endurance challenge like ascending Mount Everest!

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