Ginseng Benefits: How Is It Important For You And More

by Paul M. Tyson [MD]
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Medicinal plants have been a potential treatment for numerous diseases for centuries.

Ginseng is one such medicinal plant that offers numerous health benefits. It is a traditional medicine primarily grown in China.

Ginseng is a short plant with thick roots that makes them look similar to ginger. But, the plant is classified into three categories, i.e., fresh, red, and white, based on their harvesting period.

Generally, farmers harvest fresh ginseng within four years, while red and white ginseng is harvested between 4 to 6 years or sometimes later.

The most preferred ginseng with the highest medicinal benefits is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng).

These two ginseng varieties could be easily identified with their active compounds.

In general, all ginseng contains two compounds, i.e., ginsenosides and gintonin, that complement each other to offer health benefits.

This article will let you know the advantages of consuming ginseng for different health conditions.

Benefits Of Ginseng

  1. May Show Anti-Diabetic Effect

    Ginseng could be responsible for reducing complications in several diabetic patients.

    The elevated oxidative stress in an individual may increase the blood glucose level.

    Here, ginseng helps reduce oxidative stress that may help balance the blood glucose level.

    Ginseng contains a compound named ginsenosides that could play a role in improving glucose usage by muscles.

    Due to increased use, the glucose level in the blood takes a dip.

    Moreover, the compound helps increase insulin secretion, which may help normalize the blood sugar level.

  2. May Act As An Antioxidant

    Ginseng could be a beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplement.

    It is believed that the plant extract may heal or reduce inflammation effectively.

    The ginsenoside compound found in ginseng is mainly responsible for its anti-inflammatory property.

    Moreover, the compound may help increase the cell’s antioxidant capacity.

    Several studies have concluded that ginseng extract consumption may help reduce the inflammatory markers in athletes.

    It may enhance the antioxidant activity in multiple postmenopausal women.

  3. May Act As An Energy Booster

    Ginseng supplements could be used to enhance the energy level in the body.

    The plant extract may help you efficiently fight against fatigue which helps to keep you fresh and active.

    Ginseng contains a few essential compounds like polysaccharides and oligopeptides responsible for increasing energy synthesis.

    Moreover, ginseng consumption may reduce energy expenditure, which has a significant impact on the overall energy level in the body.

    Ginseng reduces energy expenditure by making some changes in the body’s metabolic activity.

    The ginsenosides may prevent the central nervous system from being overexcited, reducing energy expenditure.

    The ability to fight inflammation may reduce the effect of fatigue.

    It could also be responsible for keeping the cortisol level in check and reducing energy expenditure.

  4. May Protect Heart

    Ginseng might help prevent heart tissue damage that may cause significant heart issues.

    It may prevent the inner linings of the heart from avoiding any further problems.

    Ginseng consumption balances the level of multiple factors like blood pressure, cholesterol level, etc., to avoid heart problems.

    Alongside other benefits, ginseng may reduce the damage caused by free radicals and balance the oxidative stress level in the body.

    Ginsenosides promote smooth blood flow by stimulating the release of nitric oxide.

    Nitric oxide is responsible for making a continuous path for the blood by widening the vessels and relaxing the arteries.

  5. May Cure Erectile Dysfunction

    Erectile dysfunction is a significant issue in multiple men worldwide, but several studies claim that ginseng could potentially improve the condition.

    The studies have mentioned that the various compounds in ginseng like gintonin and ginsenosides are responsible for reducing oxidative stress in the penile tissues.

    Moreover, the nitric oxide released due to ginseng could help to keep muscles relaxed.

    Hence, the penis could quickly get the optimum blood flow for a good erection with reduced oxidative stress.

  6. May Have Anti-Aging Effect

    Aging is a natural process, but sometimes the process hits early in a few individuals.

    Early aging could be ultraviolet rays or harmful radiation that generates free radicals.

    These free radicals damage the collagen protein and disrupt the skin’s defense to start the aging process.

    Here, ginseng may play the role of protector by reducing the additional stress over the skin. It may protect the collagen damage by combating the free radicals.

    Moreover, the ginseng supplement might help avoid scars and wrinkles on the face by keeping the skin hydrated.

  7. May Improve Brain Function

    Ginseng may play a significant role in improving brain functioning.

    It may improve concentration and thinking skills and boost the mood for better brain functioning.

    Moreover, the ginseng extract may be responsible for reducing mental fatigue to keep the brain calm and relaxed.

    Apart from better brain functioning, ginseng consumption could have a neuroprotective effect that may help to fight cognitive decline and degenerative brain disorders like Alzheimer’s.

    Ginseng may help boost memory by increasing the longevity of brain cells by reducing damage caused due to external factors.

  8. May Reduce The Bad Cholesterol Level

    It has been observed that people consuming ginseng regularly for an extended period are experiencing a drop in their bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

    Moreover, the good cholesterol or HDL level also sees a hike due to ginseng consumption.

    Ginseng is responsible for stimulating the synthesis of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase.

    The antioxidant is responsible for lowering cholesterol production in the body, which is quite essential for balancing the cholesterol level.

    Moreover, ginseng extracts help reduce the Malondialdehyde concentration, accountable for increasing LDL cholesterol.

  9. May Be A Potential Treatment For Cancer

    Ginseng is considered a potential supplement to reduce the risk of developing cancer.

    The compounds present in ginseng have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect against cancer-causing agents.

    Moreover, ginsenoside may help by facilitating the normal cell cycle and reducing the growth of abnormal cells.

    Several studies and reviews have stated that ginseng consumption may prevent you from developing several types of cancer like the lip, mouth, colon, liver, lungs, etc.

    Moreover, it may help patients undergoing chemotherapy by minimizing the side effects and enhancing the impact of a few drugs.

  10. Could Fight Against Cold And Flu

    Ginseng is a natural immunity booster that potentially fights against some common health conditions like cold and flu.

    It is believed that the ginseng root extract has a potent antiviral activity to cure many viral infections.

    Ginseng dosage for cold and flu has successfully cleared the laboratory trials.

    Moreover, multiple users have claimed that ginseng consumption during cold and flu has helped them get fit earlier than expected.

Conc.lusion

Ginseng could be great medicine for multiple health conditions. People who consume ginseng regularly may experience a positive change in their health.

It may help them fight various underlying health conditions and make them resistant to multiple diseases.

You could consume ginseng raw or stream to get all the essential compounds. But, it should not be consumed excessively to avoid any complications.

It will be safe and healthy if you consult a doctor or any dietician before adding ginseng to your diet.