Supplements you may have never heard of can do everything from boost energy and endurance to reduce stress and anxiety and even treat depression.
It may be unknown to most Americans, but the Russians have known this for a long time, and the Soviet Union also helped Olympians, astronauts, and soldiers improve their performance, boost their mood, and boost their energy. So much so that I gave it to him to enhance it.
In the 1970s, the Soviet Ministry of Defense conducted secret experiments in Siberia to find herbal solutions to help soldiers in Afghanistan. national geographic Reported.
One of the plants they successfully tested was Rhodiola rosea, a succulent that grows in cold, high-altitude climates. And it was found that soldiers who took it were able to stay energized during sleep-deprived training.
“It stimulates you without crashing or burning you,” Patricia Gerberg, a clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at New York Medical College, told National Geographic.
They went on to give it to astronauts on the Russian space station and found they felt better, and even Olympic athletes saw improved endurance and resilience.
“It was considered a Soviet military secret,” said Dr. Petra Ilig, founder of Alaska Rhodiola Products. slate. “Most of what was done at that time was unpublished and hidden in drawers in Moscow. They used it for the physical and mental performance of soldiers and athletes. ”
No one was allowed to talk about the experiment, but one of the Russian researchers later smuggled classified documents into the United States.
Recently, rhodiola has started to gain popularity here as well, with countless brands selling versions of varying strengths.
On Amazon, Brand Bronson’s $14.99 option has more than 5,100 reviews, with shoppers calling it “so calming” and claiming that it’s “boosted my mood as well as my overall energy.” Another $17.94 bottle from the brand Now has more than 3,200 ratings, with one reviewer calling it a “miracle” for anxiety and “dramatically changing my life for the better.” said.
The Soviet Union seemed impressed by the results, but National Center for Complementary and Integrative Medicine Only preliminary studies point to the benefits of Rhodiola and caution that more rigorous research is needed.
Still, these preliminary studies seem promising. Conducted by Samford University In 2021, researchers found that rhodiola improved bench press speed in men, concluding that it may “enhance explosive strength training performance.” But it also turns out that it can impair upper body strength and endurance.
another study Studies in women have shown improved performance in anaerobic exercise such as sprinting and weightlifting.
“Rhodia is classified as an adaptogen, meaning it may help the body adapt to stress and promote overall resilience,” said registered dietitian Chrissy Arsenault. forbes.
Regarding mood, 2017 survey This plant was found to alleviate stress symptoms in people. Another study concluded This means it may be effective in treating stress-related fatigue. Other research Studies suggest that rhodiola may reduce symptoms of depression, reduce fatigue, and improve memory and concentration.
Possible side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, excessive saliva, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar.
