7 benefits of ginseng to fight fatigue and improve mood

Ginseng is an ancient plant, of oriental origin, which has properties capable of fighting fatigue and tiredness. With anti-inflammatory assets, antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids, the root can help control glucose and pressure. To understand about its benefits and contraindications, we talked to nutritionist Karina Valentim (CRN-3 37906). Check out!

What is ginseng?

Ginseng is a medicinal root widely used and studied in the East. Nutritionist Karina explains that, because it is rich in ginsenosides compounds, the root helps to regulate hormones, which can reduce stress, increase immunity, improve blood circulation and help increase energy and disposition. Karina also comments that the plant is divided into different types:

• Asian ginseng or Panax ginseng: indicated for chronic fatigue, extreme tiredness.
• Siberian ginseng: with the antioxidant effect, it helps in the treatment of diabetes, cancer and inflammatory state.
• Indian Ginseng: improves mental disposition and concentration, helps to reduce anxiety and control insomnia.
• Brazilian ginseng: it can help individuals who practice physical activity to reduce oxidative stress caused by training, and also stimulates memory.

7 health benefits of ginseng

Ginseng is famous for its positive actions in the body, and with that in mind, we asked Karina, what are the main benefits of this plant. Check it out below:

1. Improves concentration and cognition: as it has antioxidant properties and improves blood circulation, ginseng acts positively on the brain. “An ally to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, vascular diseases and metabolic disorders”, explains the nutritionist.
2. Increases mood: precisely because of its actions on the brain and, consequently, on the nervous system, the root works as a stimulant, reducing the feeling of tiredness and fatigue.
3. Helps to reduce stress: according to the nutritionist, because of its compounds that have adaptogenic action, the root can help “mainly the hormonal production of cortisol”, reducing stress.
4. Improves blood circulation: Karina explains that ginsenosides are also responsible for “activating calcium channels, increasing the release of nitric oxide and inducing vasodilation in the arteries, thus lowering blood pressure”.
5. Helps the immune system: because it is rich in vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids, ginseng increases the defenses of our immune system.
6. It has antioxidant action: helping to protect cells against the effects of free radicals, and preventing diseases.
7. It has anti-inflammatory action: it acts in the control of cholesterol, reducing substances that cause inflammation.

The benefits are many, but it is important to note that, contrary to what many people think, ginseng does not directly help with weight loss. The nutritionist explains that the properties of the root “may help to increase and increase the energy and disposition of the individual, who will be more willing to carry out their daily activities and physical exercises”, which can help in the weight loss process.

In addition, Karina adds that “if the individual is found to have a hormonal dysfunction, ginseng may be indicated in order to create a hormonal adaptation, mainly regulating cortisol levels”, which, if high, can cause weight gain.

how to consume

In addition to its different types, ginseng can be consumed in the form of tea, capsules or powder. According to the nutritionist, there is no best way to take it, but she explains that, in relation to teas, “because we do not have the certification of what we are ingesting, it can generate risks”. Therefore, she prefers manipulated capsules “to guarantee a standardized dry extract in the amount of ginsenosides that will generate action”, she says.

However, the nutritionist makes an observation that the root should not be consumed continuously. “Ginseng should be guided by a doctor or nutritionist, who will indicate the time of use”, reaffirms the professional.

Where to buy

Depending on its type and form, ginseng can be found at pharmacies or health food stores and does not require a prescription to purchase. However, Karina makes an important warning: “as much as there are medications available for free in pharmacies with ginseng, it, as well as vitamin complexes, should always be used with a medical or nutritional prescription”. So, look for a doctor or nutritionist to evaluate your case.

Warnings and Contraindications

It’s exciting to find out about something with so many health benefits, but be careful. According to the professional, the substances contained in ginseng can cause side effects, such as gastritis, insomnia, diarrhea and increased blood pressure.

The nutritionist says that ginseng is contraindicated for people with hypertension, heart problems, who are undergoing cancer treatment, pregnant or lactating women and children. Therefore, a medical evaluation is important.

Taking care of health is extremely important and, although there is no miracle remedy, it is always good to resort to natural alternatives to maintain and prevent it. Speaking of which, also check out curiosities and benefits of purslane.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.