Energize and regulate sleep with Ginseng
A few days ago, while doing my grocery shopping, I spotted a jar of honey with added Ginseng. I knew this is a root mostly known for its immune boosting and tonic properties, but not more than that. I brought the jar home with me and started reading more about it.
As it turns out there are different varieties of Ginseng, the two most popular ones are the endangered one found in North America, known as American Ginseng, which has a relaxing effect particularly for the muscles, and the Asian Ginseng, that hails from the Far East, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and has an energizing and invigorating effect. Despite this difference they both are considered adaptogens for their ability to help the body cope with stress and share similar properties.
Ginseng has green leaves looking like mint and a pretty red flower, but the most used part is the root that grows underground and looks like the turmeric one. Similarly to beets, Ginseng has the ability to increase the levels of nitric oxide in the body which improves blood flow and enhances endurance, hence, it is particularly recommended for those who engage in regular aerobic or more strenuous exercise.
Ginseng improves mental performance, increases endurance and regulates sleep.
One of its main compounds, called ginsenosides, is a powerful anti-inflammatory particularly helpful in aiding muscle recovery; the same compound also activates enzymes that have strong antioxidant properties and are particularly helpful in women who are going through menopause and experience hot flashes.
Our body utilizes the glucose store in the adipose tissues (fat) as fuel according to the time of the day (it's at its highest in the morning and at its lowest at night), a process known as glucose metabolism, for this reason ginseng can be very effective in controlling blood sugar levels and glucose metabolism by helping the body release energy more gradually, avoiding crashes. In other words, taking Ginseng in the morning can help regulate the circadian rhythm and promote restful sleep. In the long run it can also help with diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.
If you are looking for an invigorating tonic that can help you navigate through stressful times and improve mental performance, it might be worth looking into incorporating ginseng into your diet. In fact, studies have shown that the nutrients found in ginseng can also help improve cognitive function and memory, while also reducing stress and boosting overall mood.
Lastly, it has been found to have antiviral and antifungal properties along with immune boosting benefits and possibly even increasing the level of antioxidants in the liver which can be very beneficial to detoxify this organ.
Whether you are in the midst of winter, or simply in need of a natural pick-me-up, add some ginseng to your morning tea or latte and take a spoonful before you exercise.
To increase energy and stamina try adding some electrolytes like Cure to your water: it’s organic, refreshing and delicious and only lightly sweetened.
Try it and let us know what you think!
