Do you frequently feel worn out and completely exhausted? Do you find it difficult to summon up sufficient energy for that visit to the gym that you’ve been promising yourself? Our modern, frenetic lifestyle can often leave us feeling tired and lethargic and at this time of year our immune system in particular can take a real battering. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of a traditional and highly regarded South American herb known as Brazilian ginseng.
Brazilian ginseng – para tudo
Brazilian ginseng is a powerful adaptogenic herb extracted from the roots of a South American ground vine called Pfaffia paniculata, which belongs to the ivy (Araliaceae) family. It is exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals (including iron, magnesium, cobalt, silicon and zinc), electrolytes, amino acids, hormones (sitosterol and stipmasterol) and trace minerals, such as germanium. Brazilian ginseng is also called ‘suma root’ or ‘para tudo’ (which means ‘for everything’ in Portuguese) in deference to its seemingly infinite range of health benefits. In fact, South American tribes have been using Brazilian ginseng for centuries to boost their energy levels, heighten libido, strengthen the immune system and treat wounds and skin rashes. During the last decade it has become a highly prized supplement for Olympic athletes due to its impressive ability to improve athletic performance and increase endurance.
Brazilian ginseng – the ultimate tonic
Brazilian ginseng is commonly available in a powder form, which can be stirred directly into your favourite smoothies, shakes and juices in order to:
Boost energy levels – Brazilian ginseng is particularly noted for its energy boosting qualities, which is why it is frequently found in popular energy drinks and often recommended for those suffering from a debilitating condition known as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Heighten libido – suma root is a potent aphrodisiac and can be used to manage a variety of both physical and mental sexual complaints including impotency, frigidity and low libido.
Enhance athletic performance – Brazilian ginseng contains the natural anabolic agent, beta-ecdysterone, and three ecdysteroid glycosides, which demonstrably increase the production of muscle tissue to significantly enhance sports performance, yet without the unpleasant side affects that tend to be associated with steroids. It also contains high amounts of the trace element germanium, which is thought to increase the supply of oxygen to our cells and thus has a positive effect on our stamina.
Strengthen the immune system – germanium is also a natural antioxidant that offers excellent protection from harmful free radicals. Consequently, consuming regular amounts of Brazilian ginseng extract can help to prevent premature aging and DNA damage and actively strengthens our immune system. Indeed, recent research has demonstrated that our body’s macrophagic activity (macrophages are large immune cells) actually increases upon exposure to Brazilian ginseng, whilst studies conducted on mice have revealed that their NK cells (natural killer cells) are produced in larger volumes when fed Brazilian ginseng extract.
Relieve stress – adaptogens such as Brazilian ginseng naturally help the body to achieve balance, resulting in improved resistance to infections and environmental stress. However it should not be confused with Siberian or American Ginseng, which are traditionally used as effective stress busters.
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