Ginseng - An Anti Aging Supplement?
In this installment about anti aging supplements, the CEO of a popular longevity nutrition company will be examining Ginseng.
I will be covering what it is, what it does, what it doesn't do, and I will give an overall assessment of it's potential as an anti aging supplement.
The type of ginseng most commonly used in supplements is panax ginseng.
It is a root from a fleshy plant indigenous to eastern Asia.
Ginseng has been indicated as having many uses.
As most of these uses come from traditional eastern medicine, I will focus on those uses.
It has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
It is used: as an aphrodisiac, as a treatment for male sexual dysfunction, as a treatment for type II diabetes, as a stress reliever, and even as a stimulant.
It has even been used in cosmetics and popular drinks such as tea.
Now, onto the science.
Ginseng has been studied many times.
Basically, these studies do not have consistent results.
While some studies have shown anti cancer properties and antioxidant properties, the results were not strong.
There have been animal studies that examined it's effect on stress and found no measurable results.
Additionally, only one scientifically sound study has been completed in the United States.
The study was conducted at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
It found that in laboratory animals, ginseng increased amount of sex, sexual performance, and ability to get an erection.
What it doesn't do: Despite traditional medicine's claims, it does not seem to decrease the effects of stress, increase lifespan, help with diabetes, or act as a stimulant.
My conclusion? My conclusion is that ginseng is not a worthy anti aging supplement.
I don't think that it should be taken for that purpose.
However, if you cannot afford Viagra, ginseng could be a good alternative.
Also, mild side effects have been noted such as headache.
Don't forget: Before starting ANY supplement regimen, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Be sure to address any health concerns and medications you are already taking.
I will be covering what it is, what it does, what it doesn't do, and I will give an overall assessment of it's potential as an anti aging supplement.
The type of ginseng most commonly used in supplements is panax ginseng.
It is a root from a fleshy plant indigenous to eastern Asia.
Ginseng has been indicated as having many uses.
As most of these uses come from traditional eastern medicine, I will focus on those uses.
It has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions.
It is used: as an aphrodisiac, as a treatment for male sexual dysfunction, as a treatment for type II diabetes, as a stress reliever, and even as a stimulant.
It has even been used in cosmetics and popular drinks such as tea.
Now, onto the science.
Ginseng has been studied many times.
Basically, these studies do not have consistent results.
While some studies have shown anti cancer properties and antioxidant properties, the results were not strong.
There have been animal studies that examined it's effect on stress and found no measurable results.
Additionally, only one scientifically sound study has been completed in the United States.
The study was conducted at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
It found that in laboratory animals, ginseng increased amount of sex, sexual performance, and ability to get an erection.
What it doesn't do: Despite traditional medicine's claims, it does not seem to decrease the effects of stress, increase lifespan, help with diabetes, or act as a stimulant.
My conclusion? My conclusion is that ginseng is not a worthy anti aging supplement.
I don't think that it should be taken for that purpose.
However, if you cannot afford Viagra, ginseng could be a good alternative.
Also, mild side effects have been noted such as headache.
Don't forget: Before starting ANY supplement regimen, be sure to discuss it with your doctor.
Be sure to address any health concerns and medications you are already taking.
Source...