Benefit of Ginseng
For centuries, ginseng has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. There are three different types of ginseng, fresh, red, or white. Each is harvested for about 4-6 years or more.
The most known types of ginseng are American and Asian ginseng. Researchers suggest that American ginseng helps you relax whereas Asian ginseng gives you a heap of energy. Ginseng is known to provide health benefits because it contains two important compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds have been found to complement each other and provide numerous health benefits when taken as a supplement or a tea.
Here are 5 health benefits of ginseng.
1. Benefits Brain Function
Ginseng has been found to improve brain function, such as memory, thinking processes, mood, and behavior.
Studies have found that ginseng compounds, such as compound K and ginsenosides, may protect the brain from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, people who consumed 200 mg of ginseng daily for a month showed improvements in mood, mental health, and social functioning.
One study done showed ginseng having positive effects on the brain function of people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Researchers suggest that taking ginseng daily whether in a supplement or tea, may improve your cognitive function, mental abilities, feelings of relaxation, moos and overall quality of life.
2. Boosts the Immune System
Studies suggest that consuming ginseng may help boost the immune system and strengthen it.
An incredible study was done on the effects of ginseng on cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery. These patients were given 5,400 mg of ginseng daily for two years. They showed overall improvements in immune function and a lower recurrence of symptoms.
Some studies exploring its effects on the immune system have focused on cancer patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy treatment.
One study followed 39 people who were recovering from surgery for stomach cancer, treating them with 5,400 mg of ginseng daily for two years.
What’s more, one study found that ginseng could improve your chance of living disease-free by 35% after curative surgery and has a 38% higher survival rate compared to those who don’t take ginseng.
Although more research is needed on the effects of ginseng on the immune system, several studies already done have showed significant improvements in the immune system when ginseng is consumed.
3. Improves Erectile Dysfunction
Researchers suggest that ginseng can be used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
Studies found that compounds in ginseng may protect against oxidative stress in blood vessels and tissues in the penis. Additionally, it helps restore normal function. Ginseng was also found to improve the production of nitric oxide which promotes muscle relaxation in the penis and increases blood circulation.
One study showed that men treated with red ginseng had significant improvements in erectile dysfunction symptoms by up to 60%.
Overall ginseng has been shown to improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis muscles.
4. Increases Energy Levels
Studies suggest that ginseng can help stimulate physical and mental activity in people who are fatigued and low energy.
Several studies revealed that certain components in ginseng are linked with lower oxidative stress and improved energy production in cells, helping fight fatigue. These components include polysaccharides and oligopeptides.
Researchers found that those taking 1 to 2 grams of ginseng daily experienced less mental and physical fatigue than those who didn’t. They also found a reduction in these individuals oxidative stress.
One study gave cancer survivors suffering from fatigue, 2,000 mg of American ginseng. After 8 weeks, the survivors had significantly lower fatigue levels. Additionally, ginseng studies show that it not only reduces fatigue, but it can also increase physical activity.
5. Lowers Blood Sugar
Ginseng has been found to improve the control of blood glucose and help treat diabetes. It’s also been found to boost the production of insulin, improve cell function in the pancreas, and help blood sugar in tissues. Furthermore, studies show that ginseng may reduce free radicals in those with diabetes.
One study done found that American ginseng helped improve blood sugar levels in 10 healthy adults after they performed a sugary drink test.
However, some researchers suggest that fermented red ginseng may be the most effective at controlling blood sugar levels. It’s produced with the assistance of live bacteria that transforms the ginsenosides into a form more potent and easier to absorb.
Ultimately, ginseng may increase insulin production, provide antioxidant protection, and enhance blood sugar uptake in the cells.
Ginseng is easy to add to your diet and can be consumed in several ways. You can eat it raw, steam it, brew it as a tea, add it to soup, or you can take it as a supplement. Ginseng can be found in tablet, oil, powder, and capsule form. It has several healthy benefits and is certainly worth giving a try whether you want to improve a condition or just give yourself an overall boost!
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
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