Korean ginseng – its comprehensive effects on our health
It would be hard to find a more well-known medicinal plant than the various varieties of ginseng. Its popularity has long outgrown the regions where it naturally grows, as have the myths surrounding its real and imagined health-promoting properties. However, most of the information about it is true and therefore it is worth considering introducing it to your daily diet. Its benefits will be felt immediately, our physical and mental condition will improve, and some diseases which have been haunting us for a long time will be just a distressing memory.
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Korean ginseng – origin and appearance
Also known as Korean Ginseng, wild Korean Ginseng grows in desolate, forested regions of China, Manchuria and Korea. Large quantities are also grown in other countries such as USA and Canada, all of which account for over 90 percent of world production. In traditional eastern medicine, the root of this plant has been used for over 4000 years and throughout this time it has been recognized as a remedy for many diseases and ailments, which it actually helps to cure with great success. Not only Korean ginseng, but also several other varieties of this plant are used in medicine:
- Siberian (Eleutherococcus senticosus), which many scientists do not consider a typical variety, although it has similar medicinal properties;
- Chinese (Panax ginseng), which is practically indistinguishable from Korean;
- American (Panax quinquefolius).
Ginseng is also referred to as other medicinal plants, ashwagandha from India, a valuable adaptogen, and the Peruvian ginseng root Maca, which significantly increases male potency.
Very characteristic is also the appearance of the root which can sometimes resemble a twisted human silhouette. This is where its common name “man root” comes from. After grinding, it is a fine powder of red or yellow color, and the substances it contains determine its unique and versatile health properties.
Korean ginseng – the ingredients responsible for its effects
The ingredients are always responsible for the effects of any herb or other plant, and in the case of ginseng, more than 200 chemical compounds have been identified to date to improve overall health. Manufacturers of medicinal preparations and cosmetics, which have the powdered root in their composition, appreciate above all such active substances as:
Ginsenosides
These are triterpene saponins, strong antioxidants which effectively deal with the destructive effect of free radicals. Thanks to them, haemoglobin binds more oxygen molecules allowing for better oxygenation of the whole body; they also have a positive influence on the functioning of the immune system.
Thiamine
Essential vitamin B1, without adequate amounts of which the functioning of many systems and organs of our body is impossible. It strengthens the heart and circulatory system, preventing its failure, removes the effects of physical and mental fatigue, has an analgesic effect, accelerates wound healing, relieves gastrointestinal ailments, helps to fight stress and depression.
Choline
Another B vitamin, B4, responsible, among other things, for the proper formation of the structure of cells, regulating the work of the heart, circulatory system, nervous system and brain. It counteracts dementia, some of the symptoms characteristic of Alzheimera disease, reduces the risk of cancer. It is extremely important for pregnant women, conditioning the proper development of the fetus.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, another effective antioxidant in the composition of ginseng, with extremely wide therapeutic properties, among which it is worth mentioning:
- improving iron absorption;
- lowering the level of the “bad” cholesterol fraction in blood;
- strengthening of natural immunity of the body;
- regulation of glucose levels in blood;
- lowering too high blood pressure;
- participation in the synthesis of collagen, the building block of many body tissues;
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis.
Vitamin E
The third antioxidant that, together with the other two, fully protects the body from the negative effects of oxidative stress. Vitamin E, also called “youth vitamin”, takes care of the skin condition by thoroughly moisturizing it from the epidermis to the deep layers and thus stopping the aging process. It has a beneficial effect on eyesight, adds strength and energy needed for physical activity, making it easier to cope with overweight and obesity. It should also be appreciated by men as it improves fertility by regulating the amount of semen produced.
Korean ginseng – how our body senses its supplementation
With such a chemical composition, in which we also find large amounts of minerals, peptidoglycans and volatile aromatic compounds, it is not surprising that ginseng, especially of the Korean variety, should absolutely become part of a balanced diet. As we have already mentioned, the numerous advantages of its use could be listed for hours, so we will limit ourselves to what we believe to be the most important ones. Using it regularly, preferably in the form of supplements or as a tea additive, you can count on
Reduction of stress
A dangerous civilization disease of our times, in a short period of time completely ruining physical and mental health, leading to sleep disorders, insomnia and severe depression. Ginseng, as an adaptogen, better adjusts the body to all negative symptoms of stress, allowing to resist it more effectively. We are no longer threatened by states of strong nervous tension, we also get rid of other negative emotions and look at the world through the proverbial “rose-coloured glasses”.
Good mood and well-being
The basis of our mental health, which also directly affects the physical state. When we wake up in the morning feeling rested, without feeling any effects of stress, we will be able to face every challenge of the coming day, even the toughest one, and we will cope with it effortlessly. Ginseng is recommended especially for people struggling with dementia, a big improvement was also observed in patients suffering from Alzheimera disease.
Better memory and concentration
In some cases, the effect of Korean ginseng can be compared to nootropics, just like them, it positively affects the functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system. The brain is no longer attacked by free radicals that weaken it, which almost immediately results in better memory, concentration and increased overall mental abilities allowing you to absorb large amounts of new information in a shorter period of time.
Improved skin appearance and hair health
It is an ingredient in popular cosmetics designed for daily skin care. It allows for better oxygenation and nourishment of all skin cells by stimulating microcirculation in the skin, restores its radiance, allowing it to regain freshness and natural color, strengthens weakened lipid coat. The content of ginsenosides results in smoothing and visible reduction of wrinkles, acne or cellulite so disliked by ladies. Ginseng also has a positive effect on hair health, strengthening its follicles and roots, thus preventing androgenic alopecia.
Daily boost of energy and strength
To cope with a hard day requires providing the body with a considerable dose of energy and strength. This is another benefit of regular use of Korean Ginseng preparations, which significantly increase our efficiency, performance and physical endurance. They instantly eliminate fatigue, even chronic fatigue, allowing the body to regenerate just as quickly without any side effects.
Strengthening the immune system
Our natural protective barrier against the risk of infections, inflammation and various, often very dangerous diseases. Ginseng increases the number of antibodies in the blood and strengthens the effects of currently taken medications.
Libido at the highest level
It is not without reason that ginseng is considered to be one of the most effective natural aphrodisiacs. Libido, weakened for various reasons, will enter a completely new, hitherto unknown level, always allowing to rise to the occasion, which is possible thanks to increased production of testosterone, the most important male hormone. Ginseng products will also ensure a strong and long-lasting erection, which can be easily maintained throughout intercourse.
Correct blood sugar levels
Korean Ginseng naturally helps regulate blood sugar levels, preventing its rapid fluctuation, which will be appreciated by people suffering from stage I or II diabetes. This disease is directly related to other ailments, making it difficult to effectively fight overweight, causing abdominal obesity that is difficult to treat and increasing the body’s resistance to insulin.
Try the dietary supplement with natural ginseng Brain Active
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ginseng-benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/korean-red-ginseng