But not all supplements claiming to contain ginseng is good for the body.
During the health forum, Dr. Tolentino, along with experts from Boehringer-Ingelheim, makers of adult multi-vitamin Pharmaton, discussed the benefits of proper ginseng intake and claimed not all supplements declaring to have ginseng can actually improve one’s health.
Oxygenation is the process by which oxygen inhaled to our lungs is absorbed by the bloodstream.
Maximum oxygen capacity determines the human aerobic capacity, which is the most important indicator of peak performance and staying power. More oxygen uptake thereby means more energy generated at less strain on the body.
Dr. Tolentino also shared that although the brain only contributes to two percent of the average person’s weight, it forms some 20 percent of the body’s calories, making it the most energetic organ.
The more active brain regions burn more glucose and oxygen respectively, depending on the mental task being performed. Therefore, oxygen uptake in the body is vital in allowing the brain to perform at its best.
One substance proven to aid the body’s oxygenation process is Panax Ginseng G115, found in all Pharmaton capsules.
"Panax ginseng is the most widely studied of all ginseng species, and the only one proven by pharmacological trial to be of significant value," Dr. Tolentino said.
He cited a number of clinical studies that shows how standardized G115 influences energy utilization, reducing fatigue – mainly as consequence of the increased oxygen uptake capacity.
In the studies, it showed G115 to be statistically significant over placebo and is proven to optimize mental and physical performance even for people undergoing a stressful situation, have unhealthy lifestyles or eat an unbalanced diet.
The ginseng extract also acts on the central nervous system and helps minimize stress, physical and mental tension and positively affects the immune system.
Dr. Tolentino also warned not to instantly trust supplements claiming to have ginseng. For a ginseng to be properly used, it must be grown within particular standards – less use of pesticides and should have at least nine years to grow properly (three years to prepare the soil for planting, six years for the plant to grow). Panax G115, which makes up 40g of every Pharmaton capsule, was cultivated under strict conditions from Asian countries like China and Korea.
Pharmaton, which has vitamins, minerals, trace elements and mind-enhancing deanol also gives dietary balance, ensures daily nutrition, and helps prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency apart from increased oxygenation.
The event was also attended by Annie Lim, Boehringer-Ingelheim director of consumer care, Myla Villanueva, brand manager, managing director Stephan Quilan, and wellness advocate Cory Quirino.
Quirino provided a demonstration on how to increase oxygen uptake in the body by showing proper breathing exercises during the event. She also taught the audience an old breathing technique said to help in oxygenation – belly breathing.
Belly breathing, done by storing oxygen in the belly when exhaling and crunching it when exhaling, is said to slow down the heart rate, relaxes brainwaves, improves creative capacities and inspiration.
