Ginseng is a unique plant that lives up to 100 years old and is known for its many medicinal properties. Moreover, the older the herb, the more valuable its root and more varied properties. It is a valuable and useful plant that is widely used not only in medicine, but also in the food industry. However, the reserves of wild-growing ginseng are small, so it has to be cultivated.
The root of this plant has a number of medicinal properties - it strengthens the immune system, tones the body, reduces inflammation, and stimulates metabolic processes. On the basis of this medicinal plant, vitamins and nutritional supplements are made.
In the article, we will understand in detail the calorie content, nutritional and chemical composition, and talk about the benefits and possible dangers of ginseng.
Calorie content and nutritional value of ginseng
It is the root of the plant that has the greatest nutritional value and benefits for humans, on the basis of which they make:
- tinctures - an alcoholic or water-alcoholic liquid that has not been heat treated;
- capsules, tablets or granules;
- extract - a concentrated liquid obtained from a plant;
- steamed roots - most often they are already ready to eat;
- powder - dried and ground ginseng root.
The dried root of the plant is used for food, its calorie content is only 41 kcal per 100 g. The composition of the BJU is as follows:
- Proteins - 0 g;
- Fat - 0 g;
- Carbohydrates - 10 g.
This herb is often used as an additive, for example in tea or other tonic drinks.
If you intend to use a tincture, then its calorie content will be significantly higher than that of dry and ground root. Since the composition contains alcohol, the energy value can reach 100 kcal per 100 g. But keep in mind that for medicinal purposes, the tincture is drunk in drops, so you should not be afraid of extra calories.
So, ginseng root is a low-calorie food. However, the range of its use is not as wide as it might seem. first of all, it is a drug, so it is extremely important to know the chemical composition of the plant.
The chemical composition of the plant
The chemical composition of ginseng root is considered not fully understood. But it is still known that the plant contains many useful substances that have a positive effect on human health and well-being.
The roots of this plant contain:
- essential oil;
- phytosterols (collected in cell membranes and help regulate the functioning of cells, as well as maintain their structure);
- pectin substances;
- starch;
- folic acid;
- vitamins of group B, as well as vitamins C, E, PP, H;
- minerals (potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, copper, iron, chromium, cobalt, phosphorus and sodium).
Ginseng contains active glycosides. These substances are synthesized in absolutely all parts of the plant and contain panaxidol aglycone. If ginseng is properly harvested, processed and dried, then these substances are completely preserved. Glycosoids help the heart muscle work.
The extensive chemical composition shows that it is not for nothing that the ginseng root is used in pharmacology and is called the “root of life”. The product contains vitamins and microelements necessary for health. Let's take a closer look at the beneficial and medicinal properties of this wonderful plant.
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Benefits and medicinal properties
The benefits of ginseng have been proven by the practice of using this product for medicinal purposes for many centuries. Tinctures, extracts, and other herbal supplements are available at any pharmacy. Ginseng root is used both in folk medicine and in the production of medicines. The main property of the plant is the tonic and stimulating effect that it has on the body.
However, there are other properties:
- The use of the product improves the functioning of the nervous system and increases the ability to work. Also, regular consumption of drinks with ginseng relieves fatigue and helps fight depression.
- Taking medications with ginseng slows down the aging process, improves memory, mental performance and brain activity.
- Ginseng tincture is often used as part of complex therapy to combat diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, and diseases of the central nervous system.
- People who have problems with low blood pressure are advised to drink ginseng-based preparations.
- Ginseng root is also used to treat joint diseases and osteochondrosis. For this, tinctures are used for external use in the form of compresses. Such procedures reduce pain in the joints and prevent complications of ODA diseases.
- Ginseng has a powerful stimulating effect and has a beneficial effect on the immune system, therefore it is recommended to use it during the off-season, when viruses are especially active.
- Regular consumption of ginseng can help prevent cancer.
- Ginseng stimulates blood flow, recovery and metabolic processes, which is why it is often added to creams for older women. Cosmetics based on this plant are able to remove signs of aging and smooth out wrinkles.
- Ginseng is just as good for hair as it is for skin. It's not just that this herbal component is added to shampoos and hair masks. The use of products containing ginseng tones the hair, makes it healthy, strong and relieves dryness.
Ginseng tincture is used for toothaches, as well as for diseases of the mouth and throat. In this case, it is not recommended to drink it, but only to rinse the mouth or throat.
Important! To prevent the immune system from working, drink tincture or extract in courses. The most common option is to drink for 3 weeks, then rest for 3 weeks, then repeat. The course lasts three months, then there is a three month rest from the medication - and you can continue the treatment again.
The benefits of ginseng for men
Ginseng root is endowed with health benefits for men. In addition to the fact that the plant strengthens the body, it also has a positive effect on sexual function. Regular consumption (at least two months) of tincture, tea or ground ginseng root stimulates sexual activity.
Such positive properties are possible due to the stimulation of the circulatory system. All men are advised to include this product in their diet.
Benefits for women
There are many beneficial properties of the ginseng root for women. Thanks to the phytoestrogens that are present in this plant, hormones are normalized and the production of estrogen and progesterone is stimulated.
Women in menopause are advised to introduce drinks, teas and tinctures on ginseng into the diet. Their use will help reduce symptoms such as:
- irritability;
- tearfulness;
- hot flashes;
- fatigue;
- weakness;
- drowsiness.
During menstruation, ginseng teas relieve lower abdominal pain and discomfort women experience that day. On these days, it is better to drink green tea, which can also be supplemented with other herbs such as chamomile, mint or lemon balm.
Green tea with ginseng should not be drunk if anticoagulants and antidepressants are taken, since the herbal product stimulates the action of drugs, and this can be dangerous to health and even human life.
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Ginseng in diet and sports nutrition
Ginseng is often used by people on a sports or dietary basis. The active substances that are in the composition of the plant root accelerate the metabolism, and this leads to weight loss.
When losing weight
However, not every type of ginseng will be useful in the fight against excess weight. For example, the Siberian variety is great for the nervous system, as it calms it down, but it is not suitable for losing weight.
If you want to get rid of extra pounds, choose:
- Chinese;
- Korean;
- American variety.
But here, too, not everything is so simple, since American ginseng cools the body and relieves stress, while Eastern (Korean and Chinese), on the contrary, warms the body, stimulates brain cells and speeds up metabolism. Therefore, before buying supplements (tablets, capsules) or ginseng root, you need to find out which variety is right for you.
While on a diet and taking preparations based on ginseng or ground root of the plant, adhere to the following rules:
- The root or substances that contain ginseng should preferably be consumed with meals, at lunchtime. If you drink tea in the evening, insomnia is possible.
- It is best to add 2-3 drops of the extract to your breakfast meal. If ground root is used, one teaspoon is sufficient. Ginseng can be mixed with meals, not just added to drinks.
Ginseng has a bitter taste and a rather pronounced aroma, so add a few tablespoons of honey to it when drinking tea. This is both useful and will remove the unpleasant aftertaste.
As part of sports nutrition
In sports, ginseng is especially beneficial. It is recommended for athletes who are involved in bodybuilding, in particular strength training. This plant adds endurance and increases the body's oxygen supply, which has a positive effect on exercise.
In sports, ginseng:
- increases endurance;
- reduces fatigue;
- accelerates recovery after hard workouts;
- stimulates metabolism;
- relieves physical and emotional fatigue;
- increases the supply of energy.
Every athlete knows how dangerous stress is for muscles: they become weak. In addition, the stressful condition is fraught with obesity. The use of the tincture helps combat these problems.
Ginseng root strengthens bones and activates biochemical processes, which leads to the growth of muscle mass.
Few know, but this plant retains moisture in the body, which helps control thirst during exercise.
But each product has not only benefits, but also contraindications. Which ones? Let's figure it out.
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Harm to human health
In some cases, the use of ginseng can be harmful to human health. First of all, you should pay attention to the dosage of the product. If we are talking about a tincture or extract, then you cannot start with loading doses, in the first days 2-3 drops are enough three times a day. You can gradually increase the dose, but not exceed 30-50 ml of the drug per day. It is important to remember that drinking tincture as a prophylaxis is carried out in courses: three weeks course, three weeks rest from the drug.
Ginseng root can be harmful when dieting, in particular, this applies to the species like Shandan ginseng. This variety stimulates appetite, which can lead to uncontrolled eating.
When abused, ginseng, regardless of variety and species, causes the same harm to the body.
An overdose of tinctures, teas, and other ginseng-based preparations can lead to tachycardia, increased blood pressure, nervousness, abdominal pain and vomiting.
In addition, there are some more contraindications:
- high temperature (in this case, it is better to exclude alcohol tinctures);
- insomnia;
- increased excitability;
- individual intolerance;
- allergic reactions;
- age less than 12 years.
In fact, any product, drug and medicine can harm the body if consumed in large quantities.
Outcome
Ginseng is a unique herb that can be found in different forms: dry root, tincture, extract, teas, tablets, and more. And it is not without reason that this plant is called the "root of life." After all, ginseng really has a positive effect on the human body: it makes it younger and strengthens, and thus prolongs life. But in pursuit of youth and a beautiful figure, do not forget that it is dangerous to abuse the plant. Control the use of supplements and, of course, your diet, because no plants will help if the diet is incorrect and unbalanced.
