Monday, February 15, 2016

CAN GINSENG IMPROVE ATHLETIC PERFORMANCES?

  


With the constant anxieties and pressures to perform and excel in competition, athletes are always on the lookout for an advantage.2 Athletes know that proper preparation and training is the best path to achieve success, but they are also aware that some drugs and practices can boost their efforts while giving them that extra advantage that we all search for. Known as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids, ginseng is popular in the sports world as a means to enhance the body’s natural abilities with little to no harm. This plant was first discovered over five thousand years ago in the mountains of Manchuria, China. This particular plant was named Panax ginseng and it was commonly known for its rejuvenating powers.
 Picture of a root that looks similar to the legs of a man
Ginseng’s Effect on Athletic Performance
Ginseng has been applied and used for a number of medical conditions. It also aids in memory loss, it helps clear the mind, sharpens reflexes, and even acts as a coordinator for the body and mind to help them function as a cohesive unit.2 Although some of these studies are not conclusive, the energy it provides and the improvements in cognitive function have been revealed and proven through the testimony of its users. It helps to stimulate mental and physical activities on people who are weak and tired due to everyday life. Mayo Clinic published supporting results that revealed ginseng helping to contribute to the energy levels of a cancer patient. Research also shows that the consumption of ginseng can improve an athlete’s thinking ability and cognitive function. To produce a great athletic performance, one’s thinking ability and cognitive functions is vital to the process. We all know how physically and mentally demanding athletics can be on your body and mind. With the consumption of ginseng, we will receive a natural boost which will not affect us in the long run. The generally mild short terms side effects that has been reported are headaches, elevated heart rate, difficulty sleeping, restlessness, and nausea. Ginseng for the most is still considered a safe product to consume and the best route to take in desire to enhance your capabilities.
Ginseng’s Studies in Sports
The famous herb is known to be a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are drugs that stimulate muscle growth and appetite. With the consumption of this drug, there are long term health risks that can occur. Ginseng affects your body positively while providing and boosting athletic performances.


Performance is vital in making it to the next level and also producing a lengthy career. We all search for something that can give us the extra advantage that is needed. Some choose to take the illegal path while others believe doing things the natural way. If being natural is your forte, ginseng would be the ideal way to go.   

1Nordivist, J. (2016). Ginseng health benefits, facts and research. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262982.php

2Talbott, S. (2013). Ginseng. The root to improving athletic performances. Retrieved from http://running.competitor.com/2013/08/nutrition/ginseng-the-root-of-improving-athletic-performance_29763

No comments:

Post a Comment