As we age, our natural ability to recover from workouts suffers. This is because our bodies become less efficient at processing nutrients and fatigue more easily. That’s why people start to lose their edge after even the most strenuous workouts. Luckily, there is something you can do to increase your endurance and make workouts less exhausting.
This article explains everything you need to know about ginseng, its benefits, how it can help you preserve your energy and boost your endurance and give you a positive mental health in old age.
What is Ginseng?
Ginseng, formally called Asian ginseng and Panax ginseng is a popular herbal medicine that is native to Asia and Central and South America. It is also used as a dietary supplement and has become popular in the West due to its purported health benefits. It is often sold under various synonyms such as Asian ginseng, Siberian ginseng, American ginseng, and ginseng of Korea. Ginseng has been used by both indigenous peoples and early Western settlers as a dietary supplement. It is also sometimes used as a laboratory test sample to prove the effectiveness of various drugs. It is believed to be an adaptogen, meaning that it helps the body adapt to stress.
How Does Ginseng Help You?
Ginseng is a herb that has been used as a nutritional supplement by people who want to improve their health and fitness. It is believed to increase the efficacy of vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as strengthen the immune system. Ginseng also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for several conditions such as inflammation related to autoimmune diseases and inflammatory bowel disorders.
The Science Behind the Benefits of Ginseng
Science has recently demonstrated that this potent Asian root can help you achieve peak performance faster and stay in shape longer. In fact, ginseng supplementation can provide several benefits over a placebo supplement, including boosting your endurance, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving mood and concentration. Specifically, theanine found in ginseng can help reduce anxiety by binding to sodium glutamate receptors in the brain. As a result, less glutamate is released from neurons and synapses to cause anxiety.
Studies have shown that men who consume high amounts of guarana – a stimulant found in the herb ginseng – have longer telomeres, which are the tips of our chromosomes that assist in preventing them from diminishing over time. When our telomeres become short, it can lead to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and cognitive decline. In fact, recent research has even shown that people who consume the most guarana suffer the least from telomere shortening.
How Does Ginseng Work to Do This?
It does this by increasing the concentration of an important brain neurotransmitter called GABA. GABA is known as the "quiet" neurotransmitter because it doesn't immediately cause relaxation or alertness; rather, it works by calming nerves and making them less sensitive to external stimuli (such as stress). When you take in more GABA than normal, it makes your nerve cells less sensitive to external stimuli such as stress, leading to improved mental clarity and lower levels of anxiety. In fact, research suggests that up to 70% of people suffering from chronic anxiety may be deficient in this neurotransmitter!
Side Effects of Ginseng
As with most herbal remedies, you should check with your doctor before taking any herbs that you aren’t familiar with. When taking ginseng, you should be especially careful not to take too much, as too much can cause harmful side effects such as increased heart rate, increased cholesterol and blurred vision. Some of the side effects of ginseng that people experience are a headache, a stiff neck, a stuffy nose, a stuffy or dry mouth, abdominal spasms, anxiety, restlessness, and a raised body temperature.
When and How Should You Take Ginseng?
You can take ginseng anytime, but you are most likely to experience the most benefits when taking it before a workout or right after a strenuous activity. Research shows that ginseng interacts very well with caffeine, which makes it a popular bedtime snack for teens. If you are a teen or an adult who often suffers from insomnia or a night time habit, you should probably stay away from ginseng.
Ginseng and Exercise
Exercising while taking ginseng may give you a head start on the day, but you should exercise in the morning before taking ginseng. Ginseng is an adaptogen, meaning that it can help the body adapt to stress. However, if you are not used to working out, you may want to start with a smaller dose (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) to see how you respond.
How Does Ginseng Help Boost Your Endurance?
Since you’ll be taking ginseng for a long period of time, it’s best to get it as a dietary supplement. You can take it with any meal that helps you gain energy, such as a breakfast bar, a snack or a lunch box. Research shows that taking 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ginseng along with each meal can help with the post-workout recovery.
How Ginseng Affects Your Mind and Body?
Studies show that taking 5 to 10 grams of ginseng, three times a week, can improve your mental health and reduce the risk of developing depression. It can also help with anxiety and restlessness, as well as increased focus and attention span.
The Final Words
The great thing about ginseng is that it is both a drug and a food and has been used by various cultures for thousands of years. It is a great herbal medicine that can help in boosting your energy, maintaining your health and even improving your sleep cycle. Now that you know everything you need to know about ginseng, you can decide whether or not ginseng is right for you. If you are interested in gaining more insight into how ginseng can help boost your physical and mental health, we recommend speaking with a health expert or even your doctor. Ginseng is a great herb that can help you stay healthy and gain energy for longer periods of time. It can also improve your sleep cycle and boost your cognitive function.
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