Black ginseng has been used by traditional Korean and Chinese medicine for centuries. This short plant with fleshy roots contain a concentration of active compounds that are known to have an invigorating effect on the body. Ginseng contains two main compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These two complement each other in providing a wide range of health benefits. Here are 7 evidence-based health benefits of Korean black ginseng that you might not know about.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #1: Improve Brain Function
Black ginseng can improve brain functions like memory, mood and behavior. Studies have shown that it can protect the brain from damaged caused by free radicals. Another research made participants consume ginseng daily for four weeks, who then showed improvement in social functioning, mood and mental health, as well as improved calmness and math skills. Preliminaries studies show that the root assisted the uptake of blood sugar by cells, reducing mental fatigue and enhancing performance.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #2: Reduce Inflammation
Ginseng contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that inhibit inflammation and increase antioxidant capacity in the cells. One study found that it reduced inflammation and improved the antioxidant activity in the skin cells of people diagnosed with eczema. Another study made women take ginseng or a placebo every day and their antioxidant activity and oxidative stress measured after 12 weeks. It was concluded that ginseng reduces oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #3: Boost Immune System
Many of the studies looking into the effects of Korean black ginseng in the immune system are focused on cancer patients going through chemotherapy treatment or surgery. These people showed significant improvements in immune functions and lower recurrence of symptoms. It also appears that ginseng extract can enhance the effect of vaccinations against diseases like influenza. Still, more research it still needed to show its efficacy in boosting infection resistance among healthy people.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #4: Improve Erectile Dysfunction
It appears that compounds found in Korean black ginseng can protect against oxidative stress in tissues and blood vessels in the penis, helping restore normal function. Also, research has shown that it can promote the production of nitric oxide, a compound that increases blood circulation and improves muscle relaxation in the penis. One study found that men who were treated with Korean ginseng had a 60 percent improvement in their erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #5: Protect Against Cancer
Black ginseng contain ginsenosides that have shown to provide antioxidant protection and reduce inflammation. The cells grow and divide in the normal cell cycle process. Ginsenosides can benefit from this cycle by preventing abnormal cell growth and production. An observational study showed that people who take ginseng are less likely to develop certain kinds of cancer like mouth, lip, stomach, esophagus, liver, lung and colon cancer, compared to those who do not.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #6: Lower Blood Sugar
Korean ginseng has shown to improve pancreatic cell function, enhance sugar uptake in tissues, and boost insulin production. It can also provide antioxidant protection which reduces free radicals in the cells among people with diabetes. Apparently, fermented ginseng can even be more effective in blood sugar control. Fermented ginseng is produced using live bacteria that transforms the ginsenosides into a form that is more potent and more easily absorbed.
Korean Black Ginseng Benefit #7: Increase Energy Levels
Ginseng has shown to promote energy and help fight fatigue. Various studies have linked the compounds found in black ginseng with higher energy production in cells and lower oxidative stress, both of which can help with fatigue. One study explored the effects of giving ginseng or a placebo to people with chronic fatigue. It was noted that those who took ginseng reported less mental and physical fatigue, and showed reduction in oxidative stress, compared to those who took the placebo.
Korean black ginseng is an herbal supplement commonly touted for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has also shown to strengthen sugar levels and benefit people with cancer. Studies have shown that it strengthens the immune system, fight fatigue, enhance brain function and improve erectile dysfunction symptoms. Whether you are looking to improve a certain condition or want to get a health boost, give Korean black ginseng a try.
