Ginseng; Is It Really Beneficial Or An Asian Myth?
Jim O'Neill
For thousands of years, ginseng has been revered in the Orient
as an almost magical natural supplement with amazing benefits
for those who use it regularly. It is said that ginseng will
boost the immune system, enhance vitality, increase physical
endurance, increase mental alertness, and treat illnesses like
colds, fevers, headaches, and vomiting. It is even believed to
be an aphrodisiac.
Let's face it, if ginseng actually had the properties to give
all the benefits it is believed to give, people would be taking
it with every meal. The fact is however, the benefits of ginseng
fall a far sight short of its claims.
Commercially, ginseng is taken as tea, in capsules, in liquid
form from viles, or even by eating the root itself. Usually it
is taken in doses of around 5 grams at a time. Ginseng is most
commonly grown in Asia, particularly in China, Korea, and
Japan, although it can also be found in wooded areas from
Quebec to Missouri.
Ginsenosides, which is the active substance in the root, has
been shown to increase endurance and decrease fatigue in mice
when given to them in large amounts. One study where large
amounts were given to humans noted a small improvement in the
endurance levels of those who took it. Also, "Chinese herbal
medicine", published by the US National Institute of Health,
claims the use of ginseng can raise unusually low blood
pressure and can help prevent shock after heart attacks.
However, there is no good scientific evidence to support any of
the claims made of these alleged benefits of consuming this
root. It is also very likely that when you buy ginseng at the
store, it will have a low concentration of ginsenosides in it.
This means that even if ginseng does have some marginal benefit
to offer, you will probably not receive any of them.
The lancet, a British medical journal, published a study done
in Sweden which showed that most commercially sold ginseng
products contained only trace amounts of ginsenosides. These
findings concluded that the amount of ginsenosides found in
these products was too insignificant to be of any benefit. Some
of the products, including two sold in the US ("Siberian
Ginseng" and "Up Your Gas"), had almost none of this substance
at all.
For the most part, taking small to moderate amounts of ginseng
will not be harmful to you, but you have to ask yourself if
dollar for dollar it is worth taking something which is of no
real value or benefit to you. We all can fall victim to hype
made about a product, especially one that has been around for
thousands of years, but when there is no good, proven science
to support that products claims, save your money for a more
useful purpose.
About The Author: Jim O'Neill gives you tons of valuable
information on the subjects of weight loss, fitness, and
nutrition to make it easy for you to live a healthy lifestyle.
Sign up now for his free 7 part mini e-course at:
http://www.mrgymfitness.com/minicourse.php
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