White Korean ginseng, also known as panax ginseng is a plant that grows in the mountains of Eastern Asia. It is normally used in herbal medicine and is thought to have a lot of health benefits.
It is called white ginseng because of the way it is processed. White ginseng is unpeeled panax ginseng that is dried and then peeled but not steam treated like red or black ginseng.
Traditionally, panax ginseng has been used to increase energy and stamina as well as to strengthen the immune system. There are other health benefits that include diabetes management, helping with cognitive performance, treating erectile dysfunction and more.
But can it be used to aid weight loss? This is the question we’re going to look at in this article.
Korean White Ginseng can be found in teas and supplements and consumed by persons for various reasons depending on which health benefit they want to get from the plant.
Let’s take a look at what researchers have uncovered when it comes to Korean white ginseng and weight loss.
Korean White Ginseng and Weight Loss
The active compounds inside Korean white ginseng are known as ginsenosides. Presently, over 60 ginsenosides have been isolated and identified and they all play a different pharmacological role.
Ginsenosides have neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-aging and anti-fatigue effects on the human body.
Researchers have also found that ginseng may be effective for weight loss.
They found that ginsenoside Rb1 can promote browning of white adipose tissue in obese animals.
White adipose tissue is the fat that we want to get rid of as opposed to brown adipose tissue which is a mitochondria-rich tissue present in low levels in adults.
Brown adipose tissue, also known as brown fat can burn up to 300 times more calories than any other cell in the body. Through a process called thermogenesis, brown fat converts sugars and white adipose tissue into energy which causes a reduction in fat cells and body mass.
Another study found that Korean ginseng extract may prevent the development of obesity by blocking the absorption of dietary fat and regulating the genes responsible for storing fat in white adipose tissue.
Korean white ginseng can also:
- regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels which is also important for keeping weight related issues in check.
- prevents the development of fatty liver caused by high fat diets and poor liver function, a combination that can cause weight gain.
- help with the development of gut bacteria which promotes a healthier metabolism leading to better calorie burning.
- reduce fatigue and boost energy so that you can exercise for longer period. This stimulates brown adipose tissue recruitment and activation which can cause you to burn stored fat.
As you can see, Korean white ginseng has a lot of applications for weight loss and is even better when combined with other fat burning nutrients found naturally in plants and plant extracts.
Getting Korean White Ginseng in Your Diet
The most common way to get Korean white ginseng in your diet is through herbal teas made from the plant.
You can also take a supplement containing the extract itself. You can usually find this online or in pharmacies without a prescription.
A safer way to take Korean white ginseng for it’s fat burning capabilities would be to take a supplement which contains the extract combined with other nutrients.
Panax ginseng, though natural, does have a few side effects for some users and can also interact with certain medication. You should not take this extract on it’s own for more than 4 months. As your doctor if you take medication or have any medical conditions whether or not you can take panax ginseng.
Since ginseng is an energy booster, one of the most common side effects affects the ability to sleep. This is probably why it is sometimes used in energy drinks. An increase or decrease in blood pressure can also occur from taking ginseng.
Conclusion
Korean white ginseng is a nutrient rich root plant that has a lot of health benefits. This includes having an anti-obesity effect.
Researchers have confirmed that the extract from this plant can boost brown adipose tissue, an important new development in controlling weight loss.
Korean white ginseng can be taken as a herbal tea, pure supplement or in a supplement combined with other plant extracts that promote weight loss. It’s a very good natural herb to have in your diet if you plan on losing weight.
