Table of Contents
What it is and what it contains
Ginseng coffee is one drink with tonic and energizing properties, alternative to traditional coffee. It is a product that contains Panax ginseng root and coffee added, in most cases, with sugar and milk. Typically, ginseng coffee is prepared with dried and pulverized root of ginseng and soluble coffee which can be of different varieties and with powdered milk that makes the drink more creamy and pleasant. In addition to these two ingredients, ginseng coffee is often added sugar as both coffee and ginseng root are naturally bitter. In low-quality products, ginseng root can be replaced by flavorings and the drink may contain dyes and is therefore important read carefully the list of ingredients to make sure you buy the healthiest product possible.
Nutritional values
A cup of ginseng coffee provides 80 to 100 calories given above all by fats, which make up almost 50% of the energy of this drink and which are mainly represented by saturated fats. The remaining calories come from carbohydrates (30%) and proteins (20%). Ginseng coffee also contains vitamins A and C and mineral salts including potassium, sodium, calcium and iron and has a lower amount of caffeine than traditional coffee.
The calories and the percentages of macro and micronutrients can however vary according to the quantity and quality of the ingredients present. By carefully reading the labels, it is possible to choose low calorie products with a lower sugar and fat content, formulated with ginseng root extract, free of flavorings, dyes and other additives.
Property
There ginseng root it has been used for thousands of years for its therapeutic properties, in particular for its action on the nervous system. Ginseng is in fact considered a adaptogen remedy able to help the body cope better i periods of severe stress and fatigue physical and mental. Rich in ginsenosides, ginseng root has an immunomodulating, tonic and regenerating action, improves cognitive and learning abilities, increases resistance to fatigue and sports performance. Its intake is recommended in various circumstances including excessive tiredness, convalescence, difficulty concentrating and memorization in the study and at work, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and diabetes, stress, anxiety, insomnia and erectile dysfunction.
The coffee is another remedy that has accompanied man for over 5000 years, which consumes it as a tonic and stimulating drink. The properties of coffee are given by the presence of caffeine, a molecule that acts on the central nervous system, heart, smooth muscle and gastrointestinal tract. The consumption of coffee:
- improves attention;
- reduces the feeling of fatigue;
- increases heart rate and force of contraction of the heart;
- stimulates gastric secretions and diuresis;
- it has a spasmolytic and bronchodilating action.
Also, the coffee has action on fat metabolism as it improves thermogenesis and increases basal metabolism, thus helping to control body weight. Finally, this drink has a potential beneficial effect against the onset of diabetes.
Although ginseng and coffee have numerous properties, the benefits of consuming ginseng coffee are quite limited. This is because the quantities of ginseng root and coffee present in the drink are lower than those indicated for therapeutic purposes and above all because the ginseng-based preparations they often contain other ingredients, including sugar, which reduce its potential benefits, such as those related to blood sugar and weight control.
Tips for consumption
Ginseng coffee is sold in the form of soluble powder, pods or capsules and is readily available in shops, supermarkets, herbalists and outlets specializing in natural foods, as well as at bars. You can drink it two or three cups a day in the morning at breakfast or during breaks during the day, as an alternative to coffee or other drinks. Drinking ginseng coffee can help, for example people who are quitting smoking and that associate the taste of coffee with cigarettes.
The use of ginseng coffee is also useful when traditional coffee is unwelcome or poorly tolerated, for example in case of agitation or anxiety. However, it should be emphasized that even ginseng coffee can cause such ailments if taken in excessive quantities. Normal consumption of ginseng coffee it has no particular contraindications, but in sensitive people and in those suffering from anxiety and insomnia, it would be preferable to avoid exciting and stimulating drinks especially starting from the late afternoon and in the evening hours.
In high doses, ginseng coffee could interfere with taking certain medications including antibiotics, insulin, immunosuppressants and others or cause disorders in case of cardiovascular and intestinal diseases, so it is good to consult your doctor if you are following therapies or in the presence of pathologies.
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