Ginseng

What is Ginseng?

Ginseng derives its name from the Chinese word 'Ren Shen' which means 'man root'. Botanically it is known as Panaxquinquefolium. Ginseng is a traditional herb which is popularly known for its ability to maintain viability as well as sustain longevity.

It is believed that ginseng has the ability to heal all aspects of the body. It is a valuable medicinal herb used particularly in China, Japan and Korea. The most common ginsengs are American ginseng, Chinese ginseng and Korean ginseng.

The health advantages of ginseng are attributed to the presence of healthy compounds in it such as:

• Ginsenosides
• Polypeptides
• Alkaloids
• Polysaccharides

Furthermore, ginseng is a good source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, thallium, iron, manganese, copper, strontium and zinc.

Thirty-one different types of ginsenosides have been isolated from ginseng and each one has an amazing medicinal property.

Health Benefits of Ginseng

Recently, ginseng has achieved popularity all around the globe. The roots of ginseng are used to revitalize the mind and body, enhance the physical strength and vigor. It is called the 'king of all herbs' because it has a solution for every disease or disorder. Let's get down to the health benefits of ginseng:

Anti-Diabetic Effect Various clinical studies have observed that ginseng prevents the onset of diabetic complications. High level of oxidative stress leads to a rise in the blood glucose level. Ginseng relieves oxidative stress in individuals with diabetes.

Ginsenoside present in ginseng improves the uptake of glucose by the muscles. Thus, less glucose is present in the blood and more of it is used as a source of energy for the body. It further increases the secretion of insulin and helps in normalizing blood glucose levels.

Heart-Protective

Research has revealed that ginseng protects the heart tissues against damage and prevents heart failure. It helps in the management of diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, which are the risk factors for heart disease.

Ginseng also protects the heart against free radical damage and lowers the level of oxidative stress.

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Ginsenosides present in ginseng stimulates the release of nitric oxide which in turn causes relaxation of arteries and widening of blood vessels. Such an action ensures smooth blood flow all throughout the body without putting any load or stress on the heart. Ginseng further protects the inner lining of the heart and prevents damage.

Anti-Aging Effect

Ginseng is a powerful anti-aging agent. Continuous exposure of skin to ultraviolet rays (UVR) can generate free radicals. Collagen is a protein present in the skin which is responsible for the strength, elasticity and smoothness of the skin.

UVR affect the skin collagen and it disrupts the antioxidant defense system of the skin, initiating the process of aging.

Ginseng supports skin rejuvenation by reducing oxidative stress. It further reduces the free radical attack and protects the collagen. Ginseng also inhibits the formation of wrinkles and hydrates the skin.

Improves Mental Health

Major symptoms of chronic fatigue associated disorder include altered mood and lack of concentration. Ginseng improves concentration levels, as well as, boosts thinking skills, which makes an individual mentally active and alert. Thus, ginseng helps in relieving mental fatigue.

Various studies have found that oxidative stress is an important contributor of chronic fatigue. Ginseng reduces free radical damage and helps in lowering oxidative stress. In addition, healthy compounds present in ginseng scavenge free radicals and play a vital role in staving off fatigue.

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Research has revealed that Korean red ginseng improves cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Ginsenoside enhances memory and learning and increases the survival rate of brain cells. It further protects the brain cells from attack by the free radicals.

Ginseng also aids in the transmission of signals and messages from brain to other parts of the body whereas, during Alzheimer's disease such a transmission is affected due to damage to brain cells.

Ginseng decreases the inflammation of brain cells and prevents memory impairment.

Improves Fertility

In traditional Chinese medical practice, ginseng acts as an aphrodisiac. It is used to treat sexual dysfunction and it enhances sexual behavior. In men, ginseng boosts the quality of sperms, as well as, sperm count. Such an action is attributed to the presence of ginsenosides in ginseng.

Furthermore, studies have observed that ginseng helps in the treatment of erectile dysfunction when consumed thrice a day for 2 to 3 months.

Ginseng promotes the production and release of nitric oxide which helps the muscles to relax. This allows the blood to enter the erectile bodies, thus causing erection.

Besides this, treatment with ginseng increases the release of testosterone (male sex hormone).

Prolonged exposure to environmental toxins can cause a decline in the fertility levels.

Lowers Cholesterol

A research found that administration of 6 grams of ginseng per day for 8 weeks lowered the level of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol. Besides this, the level of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) or good cholesterol increased which is heart-protective.

Ginseng increases the activity of superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that reduces the synthesis of cholesterol. Malondialdehyde, is a harmful compound that increases LDL cholesterol level and oxidative stress. It was found that ginseng reduces the level of malondialdehyde and further prevents rise in LDL cholesterol level.

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Prevents Cancer

It is found that ginseng is effective against colon, gastric, hepatic and prostate cancers. Ginseng helps in reducing the size of tumor and prevents its spread to other parts of the body.

Compounds present in ginseng lower the level of oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which play an important role in causing cancer. It further helps in flushing out the toxins from the body and leads to the death of cancer cells.

It reduces stress, fatigue and anxiety associated with cancer and improves the energy levels. Thus, ginseng helps in improving the quality of life and helps in the management of cancer.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Research has confirmed the positive effect of ginseng on regulating blood pressure. It was found that administration of high doses of ginseng helps in lowering high blood pressure.

Ginseng increases the production of nitric oxide which in turn causes the arteries to widen. This improves blood flow without increasing the blood pressure.

Note: Some studies had observed that administration of low doses of ginseng may increase the blood pressure. But such an effect was observed in individuals with low blood pressure.

Recipes Using Ginseng

Healthy Ginseng Milk:

Ingredients:

• Milk - 1 cup
• Ginseng root powder - 1 teaspoon
• Honey - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cardamom - 1

Method of preparation:

• Add ginseng root powder and cardamom to milk and bring it to a boil
• Remove it from heat and add honey to it
• Mix well and drink it when luke warm