A Dietitian’s Picks of the 7 Best Ginseng Supplements of 2024 in Canada: Complete Review and Buyer’s Guide

Introduction

If you have ever explored the world of health supplements, then chances are you’ve heard of ginseng.

This herb has been an essential part of Chinese medicine, primarily because Eastern medicine believed ginseng to be a source of Earth’s vital energy, called Chi. Ginseng has its usage history dating back to 100 AD.

It is so popular that you will easily find it as an ingredient in several energy drinks. So, you’ve probably been consuming ginseng without even knowing it!

Ginseng is an adaptogen. It can balance the human body’s adverse reactions to stress. Several health experts consider ”stress” as the root cause of several health concerns in this fast-paced world. But the compounds in ginseng: ginsenosides, and gintonin, counterattack the effects of stress and bring back balance in the body.

That’s not all ginseng does! The best ginseng supplement in Canada comes with many other health benefits. Give this article a good read to know more about the benefits, the varieties of ginseng, as well as how you can purchase the best ginseng supplement in Canada for yourself.

Let's take a deep dive into these 7 best Ginseng Supplements in Canada

Tips for choosing the right Ginseng Herbal Supplements for you

The market has several ginseng supplements in different forms with varying potency levels. So naturally, it can get quite challenging to pin down the best ginseng supplement in Canada for you. So check our list of factors that you should consider before deciding on the best-suited ginseng product for you:

1) The Type of Ginseng

Two popular types of ginseng are available today—American Ginseng, known as Panax quinquefolius, and Asian Ginseng, known as Panax ginseng. Asian Ginseng, more commonly known as Korean Ginseng, is known for its heat-inducing and stimulating effects. Korean Ginseng is best for building physical endurance and fighting fatigue.

On the other hand, American Ginseng, native to North America, is best recognized for its calming and soothing effects on brain functioning. The ginsenoside composition present in American ginseng is less stimulating than Korean ginseng. Other products labeled as ginseng are Siberian ginseng and Indian ginseng (Ashwagandha). Despite the name, these varieties are not true ginseng as they do not contain ginsenoside.

2) The Form of Ginseng Supplement

Ginseng is available in various forms. You can consume this herb as capsules, tablets, chewable gummies, liquid extracts, powder, and brewable tea bags. Even the whole ginseng roots are available for purchase. Capsules, Tablets, and liquid extracts tend to be pure ginseng products, whereas other varieties may have added flavors or other ingredients.

The best ginseng supplement in Canada you choose to consume depends primarily on your convenience, diet patterns, and lifestyle. For quick consumption, capsules, tablets, and gummies are preferable. However, if you enjoy preparing smoothies, juices, or brewed teas, you may go for powders, extracts, teabags, and even the whole root.

3) The Part of Ginseng Used

Ginseng is a plant. Products prepared with ginseng leaves and other aerial parts may not be as effective as those formulated with roots. Traditionally in Chinese medicine, ginseng roots have been the preferred part of the plant for centuries due to their active composition of ginsenosides. So roots are considered the edible part of the plant. Therefore, always ensure that the product you choose contains the ginseng root and not the other parts of the plant.

4) Active Ingredients

Reading the list of active ingredients is a must when choosing the best ginseng supplement in Canada. It is essential to note whether the product lists ginsenoside as an active component. It is best practice to look for other relevant information like the ginseng species, part of the plant used, or the age of the plant should.

5) Allergen Information

Common allergens include Dairy, Soy, Gluten, and Shellfish. The product label typically mentions this information. People with lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and vegetarians or vegans should be wary of such ingredients. Therefore, it is essential to consider your diet requirements before deciding on a product.

Sometimes capsules are processed in the same facilities that process allergens. Therefore, it is best to avoid products that do not specify allergen information. Consider whether the best ginseng supplement in Canada has a chance of interaction with medicines or drugs you may be currently taking or has any listed contraindications.

6) Quality Inspections

Beyond the list of active ingredients, check the product label for any mentions of preservatives, fillers, or other harmful substances that may negate the positive effects of ginseng. The best ginseng supplement in Canada should also be approved to be sold within the region and must have passed certifications from respective food and health departments.

Benefits of using Ginseng Herbal Supplements

As an adaptogenic herb, ginseng supports our ability to deal with stress. But did you know that this ancient herb helps regulate several other health conditions that arise due to stress? Listed below are the significant proven health benefits of adding the best ginseng supplement in Canada to your diet:

1) Reduces inflammation

Ginseng is a powerful antioxidant and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the inflammatory markers and aids in reducing oxidative stress and free radicals. Furthermore, ginseng slows the ageing process by preserving collagen as an antioxidant.

2) Lowers Blood Sugar

Studies have shown American and Asian Ginseng to improve pancreatic function. The pancreas gland is responsible for regulating blood sugar through the secretion of Insulin. By encouraging healthy Insulin secretion, ginseng helps normalize blood glucose levels.

3) Supports Immune Function

Stress inhibits healthy immune responses, making the body prone to infections and diseases. Furthermore, an imbalanced immune system can lead to autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and many others. The adaptogenic properties of ginseng assist the body in coping with stress, ultimately aiding a healthy immune response.

4) Fights Against Cancer

Ginseng is known to address inflammation. In addition, studies have shown Ginsenosides, found in ginseng, to prevent abnormal cell production and growth, which is a classic feature of cancer.

5) Builds Stamina

Oxidative stress often leads to cell and tissue damage and fatigue. The antioxidant property in ginseng fights oxidative stress, reduces fatigue, and encourages healthy cell production, resulting in improved physical activity and performance.

6) Boosts Brain Function

Chronic physical and mental fatigue is associated with poor memory, decreased concentration, and mood swings. In severe cases, mental health-related issues like Alzheimer’s disease and depression could also progress because of unhealthy brain cell functioning. Ginseng may address poor brain health by relieving mental fatigue and assisting in optimum cell functioning. As a result, one can observe improvement in mood, behavior, focus, learning ability, and memory.

7) Improves Heart Health

The best ginseng supplement in Canada can stimulate nitric oxide production in our bodies, which plays a significant role in widening blood vessels for improved blood circulation. Additionally, ginseng’s role in managing blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels ensures a reduction in the risk factors contributing to cardiovascular complications.

Side-effects of using Ginseng Supplements

The ginseng supplements are generally safe. However, they result in mild side effects like insomnia or nervousness in some cases. Therefore, take these supplements for shorter periods ranging from a few weeks to a maximum of 3 months. Long-term usage of ginseng is generally not advised as it may lead to side effects like nausea, stomach upset, or headache.

Women may undergo menstrual changes when taking ginseng. Therefore, during pregnancy or lactating, women are advised not to consume the supplement due to insufficient study on these groups. In addition, the herb may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs. Hence, people taking medications for specific health conditions should talk to their health care provider or primary physician to discuss the consumption of the best ginseng supplements in Canada.

Recommended Dosage of Ginseng Supplements

Standard doses of ginseng are hard to establish for alternative medications and supplements. Different manufacturers offer ginseng in varying dosages. However, how much one should consume depends on their condition to heal.

It is always best to begin a new supplement regime with lower doses and gradually increase with time. Doses between 1-2 grams for raw ginseng or 200-400 mg for extracts may be advisable for daily consumption. The best ginseng supplements in Canada that contain 2-3% ginsenosides may be considered standard. You can ingest these herbs before meals. However, always read the usage instructions on the label of your specific product for maximum benefits.

Conclusion

It is becoming increasingly important to implement effective methods to alleviate stress in today’s age. Stress and lifestyle disorder are two leading factors of several severe health conditions. Adaptogens, such as ginseng, can be an ideal solution to heal diseases from the root.

Ginseng supplements are readily available and widely popular. With such a vast range of various products available, it is up to you to choose the best ginseng supplement in Canada that fits all your needs.

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