{"id":787,"date":"2017-06-19T11:38:30","date_gmt":"2017-06-19T11:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=787"},"modified":"2021-05-12T20:28:07","modified_gmt":"2021-05-12T20:28:07","slug":"15-benefits-ginseng","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/15-benefits-ginseng\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Benefits of Ginseng"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"You might think of Ginseng as being an ancient Chinese remedy that doesn\u2019t have much of a benefit when it comes to modern life. These days we have a much better understanding of our bodies and the science of our food and thus many of these old folk remedies have fallen out of favour and gone by the wayside.<\/p>\n

But while that\u2019s true for many things, that certainly isn\u2019t true for ginseng. In fact, Ginseng is scientifically proven to combat fatigue, boost performance, improve cognitive and even reduce the likelihood of your developing cancer. It\u2019s an Eastern medicine that dates back for thousands of years yes, but as is often the case with such remedies, science is now being used to actually back up the traditional uses it has been known for.<\/p>\n

So just what is ginseng?<\/p>\n

This is a plant that is found in North America and Eastern Africa. It comes in a range of different forms including America, Red, Indian etc. and American is among the most popular. It\u2019s important to make sure that you check the type you are getting because not all forms are as potent.<\/p>\n

Ginseng extracts can be taken in supplement form, where it is recommended that you get in the range of 200mg to 400mg. Higher doses can potentially cause anxiety and restlessness.<\/p>\n

Now what about those ginseng benefits?<\/p>\n

1. \u00a0Ginseng Can Combat Cancer<\/h3>\n

Panaxytriol is actually made from ginseng<\/a> and has been shown in numerous studies to be effective at preventing the growth and formation of breast cancer cells. In mice, this same substance has been shown to increase the activation of a gene called EGFR, which triggers the death of cancerous cells.
\nIn another study, it was found that supplementing with ginseng root extract could actually reduce the number of skin cancers seen in mice.<\/p>\n

Many, many more studies have backed up the effects of ginseng in fighting and preventing cancer and specifically breast cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer.<\/p>\n

This is all very impressive and suggests that it might be a very useful supplement for those with a family history of cancer, or those that are currently fighting it.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. \u00a0Ginseng is Neuroprotective<\/h3>\n

This mean that consuming ginseng has been shown to protect the brain<\/a> as it ages. There\u2019s a number of reasons that this might be the case but what we know is that it has potent antioxidant effects in the brain, thereby preventing neurons from being damaged by free radicals.<\/p>\n

Ginseng also appears to be able to reverse the effect of alcohol toxicity on the brain. That\u2019s because ginseng can increase the enzymes ADH and ALDH which break down alcohol. This prevents acute alcohol intoxication and it might also be able to prevent the eventual onset of Korsakoff syndrome.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. \u00a0Ginseng and ADHD<\/h3>\n

Ginseng has been shown to be potentially useful at combating ADHD<\/a>. ADHD is a condition that is caused by low amounts of dopamine, which causes the patient to feel as though nothing is interesting enough to hold their attention. It stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.<\/p>\n

Ginseng and the red variety in particular, seem to be able to reverse this process and improve the scores among children on ADHD measurement tests. When given to rats with spatial cognitive impairment, ginseng appears to improve performance as well.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. \u00a0Ginseng Can Improve Motor Function Recovery<\/h3>\n

In one more study, it was found that mice with spinal cord injuries were able to see some improvement in their movement from ginseng supplementation.<\/p>\n

This is likely due to an increase in brain plasticity<\/a>, which in turn would encourage the formation of new neural pathways and strengthen the communication across existing connections.<\/p>\n

This might also have some benefit for athletes and those interested in improving motor function more generally.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. \u00a0Ginseng Can Reduce the Stress Response<\/h3>\n

Ginseng treatment has been shown to help increase resistance to stress<\/a> and aging by affecting the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. Suffice to say that this can help to lower the production of cortisol during the stress response triggered by the sympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n

In other words, you will be more likely to feel calm and at ease during stressful situations and less likely to see cumulative damage to your body over time as a result of chronic stress. This is a huge issue for many people in today\u2019s busy schedule and as such, it\u2019s one of the most important and beneficial effects of ginseng.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. \u00a0Ginseng is Anti-Inflammatory<\/h3>\n

Ginseng has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation<\/a> and it does this by suppressing numerous pathways: tumor necrosis factor, IL-6 and others. This is important because it can reduce the symptoms of arthritis and also help to reduce the low-level inflammation that many of us experience on a permanent basis but can\u2019t identify.<\/p>\n

This has actually been shown to lead to depression as well as brain fog and tiredness. Think about the way your brain feels when you are ill \u2013 this is basically what happens to a lesser extent when you are experiencing mild levels of inflammation.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. \u00a0Improves Mood<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve already seen that ginseng can reduce stress, so it shouldn\u2019t come as too big a shock that it can improve your mood<\/a> generally.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, in one study, it was found that volunteers given three rounds of treatment using ginseng and placebo would see considerably greater improvements in their mood when given the ginseng as opposed to the sugar pill.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. \u00a0Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something to help you lose some weight<\/a>, then ginseng might just be the ticket.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s because ginseng is able to boost the metabolism and thereby help to increase your heart rate and encourage you to burn more calories just going about your usual business. This is an effect that will then be exaggerated if you add exercise on top of this.<\/p>\n

The great thing about using ginseng is that it can raise your metabolism in this way but without massively increasing your heartrate or potentially cause other symptoms like anxiety. Because ginseng has natural properties that will decrease stress levels, this means that you can enjoy a kind of \u2018calm\u2019 energy that lasts longer and doesn\u2019t leave you jittery, nervous and unable to sleep.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. \u00a0Appetite Suppression<\/h3>\n

Interestingly, ginseng can also act as an appetite suppressant, likely through its interaction with hormones such as serotonin<\/a> and leptin.<\/p>\n

This in turn means that those that are struggling to stay on top of their diet might see benefits by taking ginseng. Not only will they burn more calories from exercise, but they should also find it slightly easier to resist the urge to raid the fridge!<\/p>\n

\"\"10. \u00a0Ginseng Treats Sexual Dysfunction<\/h3>\n

In one study, it was found that taking red ginseng could improve sexual arousal and likewise prevent sexual dysfunction in men. It appears that this works via affects on the central nervous system<\/a>, as well as through alterations in the brain that change the release of hormones relating to sexual activity.<\/p>\n

There are other ways that this might work too. For one, ginseng is a vasodilator which means that it can help to widen blood vessels and encourage more blood flow through the body. This can help more blood to reach the penis, which is of course what gives a man an erection.<\/p>\n

Ginseng has been used traditionally as an aphrodisiac and once again, this is being backed up now by the science!<\/p>\n

\"\"11. \u00a0Ginseng Improves Lung Function<\/h3>\n

Ginseng treatment appears to be affective in reducing the amount of bacteria<\/a> found in the lungs. In one study on rats, it was found that supplementation could stop the growth of cystic fibrosis, which is a well known lung infection.<\/p>\n

The result should be that the lungs perform better, thereby enhancing intake of oxygen and VO2 max. This can help to raise energy levels and is generally beneficial for athletes and non-athletes alike.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. \u00a0Relaxation<\/h3>\n

Ginseng is useful for relaxing the muscles<\/a>, as well as reducing our reactions to chronic and acute stressors. Both these things make it useful as a relaxation aid.<\/p>\n

If you are someone who struggles to \u2018switch off\u2019, or perhaps someone who has difficulties with insomnia, then taking ginseng might be an effective way to combat those issues and to instead rest easy.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. \u00a0Boosts the Immune System<\/h3>\n

There is a large body of evidence suggesting that ginseng could be a useful tool for boosting immune function.<\/p>\n

It seems that the roots, stems and leaves are particularly effective at maintaining immune homeostasis<\/a> as well as increasing natural resistance to a range of infections and illnesses. It also seems to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of influenza, HIV and rotavirus.<\/p>\n

All these things make gingseng a great daily supplement that can help to prevent you from getting ill. Not only does this mean you won\u2019t have to suffer through the negative symptoms of a cold or a flu but it also means that you won\u2019t experience the cumulative damage that multiple bouts of illness can incur.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. \u00a0Athletic Performance<\/h3>\n

There are many reasons that athletes might be interested in supplementing with ginseng. Not only can it reduce the stress response which makes it a powerful agent in improving focus and performance during competition, but it has also been shown to be useful at increasing blood flow<\/a>, brain function, energy levels and more. All these things mean that athletes should feel more sprightly, enjoy faster recovery and have greater endurance.<\/p>\n

Note as well that improving the immune system is a crucial priority for athletes. Their immune systems can take a battering during intense exercise and eventually, this might lead to lethargy and illness.<\/p>\n

By fortifying with ginseng, athletes can stay in training and avoid missing competitions.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. \u00a0Blood Pressure<\/h3>\n

The Asian variety of ginseng is a known blood thinner and may be useful therefore in helping to reduce symptoms of high blood pressure.<\/a> It is worth noting those that those taking other forms of blood thinning medication such as aspirin should therefore avoid this form of ginseng or check with their physician.<\/p>\n

Note that some women might experience vaginal bleeding as a side effect and this should not be taken less than 7 days prior to surgery.<\/p>\n\r\n

<\/div>