Why Should We Consume Ginseng?

Since ages, herbs and various roots and tubers have been used in treating many ailments. Along with treatment, our ancestors included many of such roots in their diet for enjoying best of health condition and that is why they had humongous strength and vigour even in old age. Over the time, we have switched to a sedentary lifestyle and our physical activities have become drastically low in comparison to our ancestors. We don’t enjoy such physical strength and energy and also our life span has reduced.

This is perhaps, because of lack of some essential herbs and roots from our diet that are rich in nutrients. One such highly potent plant is ginseng, which is any of the eleven species of slow growing perennial plants having fleshy roots. Ginseng is mostly grown in cooler regions in North America and eastern Asia and the herbs comprise of a light-coloured, fork shaped root with a comparatively long stalk and oval shaped green leaves.

Recent researches have found that ginseng is capable of providing a boost in the energy, helps in lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels while reducing stress. People across the globe are gradually becoming aware of health benefits of ginseng and are purchasing ginseng supplements to avail best of nature in a small capsule.

If you are facing the repercussions of leading a sedentary lifestyle, then read why should we consume ginseng and incorporate the power of ginseng in your diet:

1. Boosts Energy Level

Lack of physical activity and increasing amount of stress has retrogressive effect on our body’s internal functions. Our metabolism rate drops and the mental stress increases chances of fatigue or feeling of lethargy. Our hormonal activities too distort due to insufficient physical activities. Moreover, improper diet has also added to our health woes. Medical studies have however, said that ginseng is capable of boosting energy level by regularising the functioning of the internal organs and helps in balancing the secretion of hormones. People who are weak or feel tired always must consume ginseng to improve the metabolic activity in the body.

2. Improves Cognitive Function

Lately, ginseng has been adjudged as one of the most commonly used herbal supplement across the globe. This is because of the shooting rise in the number of patients suffering from psychological disorders such as stress, depression, anxiety, etc. These disorders cause a decline in the ability to think, concentrate and comprehend. Many medical studies have been carried on to check what effect does ginseng have on the cognitive functioning and the results found were positive. Since it de-stresses the mind and helps in soothing the brain nerves, ginseng is actually a must have for people living a hectic lifestyle.

3. Strengthens Immune System

Besides being used for improving strength and endurance levels, ginseng has also been positively viewed as a herbal ingredient that alleviates the working of the immunity system. There are limited studies that have agreed to this notion that ginseng helps in maintaining equilibrium of the immune system while improving resistance to illness or microbial activity. Since immune system has diverse types of cells that fulfil different functions, ginseng thereby, controls or influences different cells differently.

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4. Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Ginseng comprises of unique compounds such as ginsenosides and gintonin, which have been studied to have anti-inflammatory properties. In an article published in the Journal of Translational Medicine, it was mentioned that several experiments were carried on to know the anti-septic function of ginseng in the human body and it was found to be true. Regular dosage of ginseng in recommended amounts can help the body in healing internal wounds.

5. Prevents Cancer

Researchers have found that ginseng has certain antioxidants that helps in prevention of cancer. Many studies have found that consumption of ginseng largely reduces the risk of cancer. The antioxidants in ginseng helps in eliminating the free radicals and thereby regulates the cell growth and development. The researchers at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Centre have found that patients suffering from breast cancer can lead a better quality of life with increased chances of survival if they consume ginseng.

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6. Helps In Treating Men With Erectile Dysfunction

Studies have found that there are rising number of men suffering from erectile dysfunction. A Korean study conducted in the year 2002 revealed that over 60 percent men who suffered from erectile dysfunction found that consuming ginseng helped in treating the symptoms. Some of the basic causes for erectile dysfunction include heart diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stress, etc, which can be tackled by consuming ginseng.

No doubt consuming ginseng is beneficial for enjoying better health in today’s stressful life, but you must also be aware of some possible side effects of consuming ginseng:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Increase in rate of heart beat
• Sleep disorders
• Restlessness

Women may also experience swollen breasts and vaginal bleeding. Moreover, you need to consult your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating or are taking other dietary supplements, have allergies to some peculiar herbs, etc.