Ginseng & Caffeine Comparison and Contradiction

Caffeine and ginseng extract are two ingredients that commonly appear in energy drinks. While both compounds have been linked to increased sensations of alertness and mental acuity, the manner in which each one affects the body is considerably different. Talk to your doctor about the possible benefits and contradictions of taking ginseng or caffeine.

                                                                    

Ginseng

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, panax ginseng is an Asian plant that has been scientifically linked to improved thinking and learning ability. Naturopaths and alternative doctors typically recommend ginseng root in a liquid extract, tincture or tea form. Panax ginseng has been linked with improved performance in concentration, memory and other mental functions, as well as conditions as diverse as immune deficiencies, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and Type-2 diabetes.

 

Caffeine

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant found in a variety of products, such as candy, chocolate, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Caffeine delays fatigue by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the brain called adenosine suggests a study published in "Nutrition Reviews" in 2002. As a result, feelings of tiredness are quickly replaced by sensations of alertness and mental energy as neurons begin firing at a quicker rate. Unlike ginseng, caffeine creates a fight or flight response from the pituitary gland, which in turn leads to a number of stress hormones being released from the adrenal glands.

Comparison and Contradiction

While caffeine is considered an addictive substance and can cause dependency in quantities as small as 100 mg a day, panax ginseng can be regularly consumed without negative effects in most people. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends a maximum of 1.5 tsp. of panax ginseng fluid extract or 2 g of dried root a day. Comparatively, individuals who consume 500 mg of caffeine or more a day are susceptible to a number of negative health effects: nausea, diarrhea, nervousness, increased heart rate, irritability and dizziness. Individuals who consume panax ginseng and caffeine together have an increased risk of symptoms such as nervousness, insomnia, high blood pressure and nosebleeds.

Health Concerns

Both ginseng and caffeine are stimulant products that may have negative effects on individuals with certain sensitivities. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your body's ability to withstand regular doses of caffeine or ginseng and avoid combining them.

 

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/517398-ginseng-caffeine/#ixzz2eOcgqnKq

How to take the Korean Red Ginseng Extract

For adults Mix & stir in 1- 2 gram of Red Ginseng Extract to 80ml of lukewarm water or cold water using the included spoon. Approximately 3 times a day before or after your daily meals. Adding honey or other sweeteners of your choice may increase the flavor & aroma. If you would prefer to make a Red Ginseng Drink Mix in 10grams(5 spoons) to 1 L of lukewarm water and keep it refrigerated. For children - For Children under 10 years old reduce the dosage to 1/3 - For Children under 15 years old reduce the dosage to to 1/2

Once the jar is opened keep it refrigerated. Keep the unopened bottles

Misunderstandings about Korean Red Ginseng

1. Korean ginseng is discouraged from taking during summer?

Definitely not. We are vulnerable to loss of physical strength during summer due to excessive sweating.
Therefore, it is recommended to get enough nutrients during summer.
Korean ginseng is known to stimulate the metabolism, thereby helping recovery of energy during summer.
Accordingly, Korean ginseng can be taken regardless of season.
Increase in blood circulation was misunderstood as an increase in body temperature.
 Korean ginseng facilitates blood circulation, thereby increasing skin temperature but body core temperature does not change.
Professor Fujimoto at the College of Medicine, Kyushu University, Japan and professor Sakata at the College of Medicine,
Oita University, Japan demonstrated that Korean Red Ginseng powder alleviated physical disorders induced by high temperature.
They also found that ginseng counteracts increase in body temperature induced by endogenous pyrogen, indicating buffering effect of ginseng on body temperature.
Koreans eat Samge-tang (ginseng-chicken soup, a favorite Korean traditional food) during summer to overcome the heat.
Recently, Samge-tang is eaten regardless of season.

2. Korean Ginseng is effective only for the elderly and weak people?
Absolutely not. Many research articles support that Korean Red Ginseng and its active ingredients are effective
in strengthening immune function and delaying the aging process. It might be true that ginseng exerts a more potent activity
in abnormal subjects than in normal (healthy) persons. In light of thus far reported studies,
the potency of ginseng depends more on the physical condition than on age of subjects.
Clinical study with healthy adults at the age of 20s suggests that ginseng is effective for the enhancement of physical exercise.
 For this reason, worldwide famous sportsmen take ginseng regularly.
Recently, a clinical study with 55 subjects was carried out in China-Japan Friendship Hospital.
 Korean Red Ginseng was given at a daily dose of 3 g for 1 month. Cardiac function was enhanced at the time of exercise.
In conclusion, Korean ginseng is relatively more effective in the elderly with decreased physical function or in weak subjects than in young healthy adults.
However, young healthy adults are also encouraged to take ginseng for the prevention of disease.

3. Children and pregnant women are forbidden from taking Korean ginseng?
No. Children are recommended to take 1/3 of the adult's dose.
Pregnant women can take ginseng but excessive dosage should be avoided and it is recommended to consult an herbal physician when necessary.
Ginseng is effective for the control of weak constitution in children. It can play important role in growth and brain development.
However, excessive doses are forbidden. It would be wise to give ginseng to children only under parent's guidance.

Use of ginseng by pregnant woman is not forbidden in Oriental medicinal books.
It has been recognized that ginseng plays beneficial role in the health of mother and fetus.
The effect of ginseng on 88 pairs of pregnant women with similar backgrounds in age and child delivery was investigated in a case control study.
There was no significant difference in children in the two groups. However, the number of women suffering from preclampsia, a toxic response encountered
 in woman during late gestation period with symptoms of high blood pressure, edema, etc., was markedly decreased.

However, pregnant women should pay careful attention when taking medicine.
It would be wiser for pregnant women not to take ginseng in high doses and
 to consult an Oriental physician when taking ginseng for excessive loss of physical strength.
Korean ginseng can be taken depending on physical constitution?
Korean ginseng exerts effective biological role in overall organs. Somebody says
that his/her physiological constitution does not comply with Korean ginseng.
 However, this has no scientific ground. From the Oriental medicinal point of view, ginseng plays a medicinal role in the spleen and stomach.
Therefore, it can be said that ginseng is more effective for the person with a small yin constitution, in other words people with weak digestive functions.
 The pharmacological effects of ginseng have been verified by various pharmacodynamic experiments,
 in which ginseng normalizes functions overall of internal organs in a non-specific manner.

Healthy persons with abnormally high body temperatures (different from infection-derived fever)
or who have adverse reactions when taking ginseng are recommended to adapt himself/herself over times by taking small amounts at the beginning.
Korean ginseng induces side effect of nasal bleeding?
In Oriental medicinal philosophy, ginseng is categorized as an upper medicine, an herb that induces no side effect,
therefore can be taken for long periods of time.

Ginseng demonstrated no side effect in acute, sub acute and chronic toxicity tests.
A great number of clinical experiments also support the safety of Korean ginseng. The Food and Drug Administration,
 USA classified ginseng as GRAS (generally recognized as safe).
Furthermore, WHO (World Health Organization) monograph, German Commission E Monograph and British Herbal Compendium state
that ginseng has no side effects or contraindications.
However, in light of our century-old experience we recommend persons with abnormally high body temperatures and
who are vulnerable to nasal bleeding not take ginseng. Ginseng is not recommended for a person with a fever.
In case of patients with influenza, they are encouraged to take ginseng for the recovery of physical strength when fever has gone.
Increase in blood pressure was misunderstood as one of the prominent side effect of ginseng.
However, a multi-centric study encompassing 13 hospitals and 316 subjects demonstrated no significant abnormal change in blood pressure.
It is also said in some East Asian countries that Korean ginseng induces nasal rhinorrhagia (nose bleeding) and body weight increment.
 However, a clinical experiment conducted in China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China confronts the misunderstanding.
A total of 75 subjects were divided into placebo-treated (2o cases) and Korean Red Ginseng-treated groups (55 cases).
Korean ginseng was given at a the dose of 3g/day for 1 month. No significant side effects were observed in the ginseng-treated group.
However, hypersensitivity such as skin eruption, itching, headaches, flushing and diarrhea was observed in rare cases.
There was no significant difference between those 2 groups in frequency of side effects.
From the Oriental medicinal viewpoint, this kind of mild side effect could be regarded to as adaptation response.
It is encountered in the process of physical change to health.
However, if this kind of discomfort continues for more than 10 days it is better to reduce dosage or to stop taking ginseng and consult a physician.
Thus far, Korean Red Ginseng has induced no serious adverse reaction during the past 2 thousand years of medicinal history.

Korean Red Ginseng Product Ginseng Extract,Capsule,Tablet,

Ginseng Extract
Korean Ginseng Extract and Korean Red Ginseng Extract contains all the effective components of ginseng in more concentrated form.

Aged Korean Ginseng Roots undergo a special process of washing, steaming, brewing, and drying
to enhance the potency of the extract.

Ginseng extract is then converted into pill, liquid, or powder form for quick and easy consumption.
Korean Ginseng Extract can be a natural daily tonic to increase your stamina and immunity.

Korean Ginseng Extract or Korean Red Ginseng Extract are a concentrated form of ginseng.
These high purity products are made of the concentrated extract of six-years-old Korean Red Ginseng.

Korean Red Ginseng Extract save you the trouble of boiling the red ginseng roots yourself.
Korean Red Ginseng Extract goes through a long steaming process and drying system.
Korean Ginseng Root are harvested and then put through a washing process
before they are steamed in a special herbal brew.

Panax Ginseng like Korean Ginseng has the active ingredient of ginsenosides,
which are transformed and made more potent through this steaming process.
jackinkorea.com is your source to buy ginseng online.

Ginseng Capsule, Tablet
Korean Ginseng Capsule and Korean Ginseng Tablet provide a quick and effective way
to for you to get your daily ginseng intake.
After aging over 6 years, Korean Red Ginseng Extract are specially washed, steamed
in an herbal brew, dried, and then neatly prepared into pill-form.
These potent Ginseng Capsule and Ginseng Tablet may be taken may be taken
to help combat fatigue, provide extra energy, and boost mental efficiency.
Ginsenosides found in Korean Red Ginseng act as stress-busters and immunity-enhancers to keep illnesses at bay.
Korean Ginseng Capsule contain Korean Ginseng Extract or Korean Ginseng Powder.
And Korean Ginseng Tablet contain Korean Ginseng Powder.
You can choose Korean Ginseng Extract Capsule or Korean Ginseng Powder Capsule or 
Korean Ginseng Tablet  in jackinkorea.com easily.

Ginseng Tea, Drink
Korean Ginseng Tea and Korean Ginseng Drink contain Korean Red Ginseng Root Extract that has been aged over six years.
Ginseng Tea and Ginseng Drink are an easy way to get your daily dose of ginseng and a good energy boost.
 Korean Ginseng Tea allows you to get the unique taste and benefits of ginseng in the form of a delicious tea. 
Korean Ginseng Drink are a convenient way to get an extra boost of energy during the day and keep your immune system alert. 
Ginseng is a common ingredient in a majority of the major energy drink that you find in the store.
Ginseng Tea is a Korean traditional tea with deep and rich flavor and scent obtained by extracting of Korean Red Ginseng.
 Ginseng Tea is instantized for the purpose of tea lover who enjoy it anywhere.
Ginseng Drink wrapped up in a pouch or bottle so that you can easily take it.
Ginseng Drink contains much ginsenoside and numerous active ingredients for maintaining health.

Sliced Korean Red Ginseng with Honey

It is a product obtained by preserving six years old Korean Red Ginseng in Honey that is cut into bite-size pieces. Separated packages allow for easy carring and intake.

Sliced Korean Red Ginseng with Honey
It is a product obtained by preserving six years old Korean Red Ginseng in Honey
that is cut into bite-size pieces.
Separated packages allow for easy carring and intake.
Korean Red Ginseng Root soaked in Honey
This product, keeping the original Korean Red Ginseng shape and scent,
enables consumers to take it easily.

Medicinal effects of Korean Ginseng proven by modern science

1. Effects on Diabetes Mellitus
1) Professor Kimura of Toyama University, Japan, based on the result from the animal tests, stated at the 3rd International Ginseng Symposium that DPG 3-2, a blood sugar depressive component isolated from Korean ginseng, had the function of stimulation insulin release.
2) Professor J. S, Cho of Kyungbuk National University, Professor Okuda of Ehime University, Japan, Dr. Yamamoto of Nissei Hospital in Osaka, Japan, and Dr. Yoshida of Yawatahama Municipal Hospital, Japan reported results of clinical studies that, by the administration of red ginseng, the blood sugar level in diabetics could be lowered and the insulin dosage could be reduced, and especially, the subjective symptoms of diabetics such as dizziness, shoulder pain, chest pain, thirst, weariness over the whole body, and heaviness in the head were all improved.

2. Effects on cancer
1) Professor Ueki of Kumamoto University examined the anti-cancer effect of 117 kinds of herbs in 1961 and found that Korean red ginseng exerts anti-cancer effects on Ehrlich abdominal ascites cancer cells.
2) Professor W. I. Hwang of Korea University reported in 1991 that he found the anti-cancer effect of Korean red ginseng was superior to that of Chinese red ginseng through the studies of anti-cancer fraction in Korean red ginseng and Chinese red ginseng.
3) Dr. T. K. Yun of Korea Cancer Center Hospital, in a presentation titled "Effect of red ginseng on the activation of anti-cancer cell" at the 8th Asia-Pacific Cancer Conference in September 1987, pointed out the effect of Korean red ginseng on the activation of natural killer cells that are able to kill cancer cells based on the result of administering Korean red ginseng for a year to rats suffering from lung cancer.

3. Effects on atherosclerosis and hypertension
1) Professor C. N. Joo of Yonsei University studied the effect of Korean red ginseng on hyperlipidemia induced by feeling food containing large amounts of cholesterol to rabbits. At the 3rd International Ginseng Symposium in 1980, he reported that Korean red ginseng not only lowered cholesterol level in the blood by promoting the activity of various enzymes related to the lipid metabolism but also prevented atheroma formation due to hyperipidemia, accumulation of lipid containing materials in arterial walls.
2) Dr. Nakanishi of Matsuyama Red Gross Hospital in Japan also found that Korean red ginseng was very effective in improving lipid metabolism, and thus prevented atherosclerosis in a clinical test by administering Korean red ginseng capsules to 31male and female subjects(Clinic and Research 1980)
Dr. Yamamoto of Nissei Hospital in Osaka reported that administration of Korean red ginseng powder to 67 patients suffering from hyperglycemia as a result of diabetes lowered the level of blood cholesterol, triglycerides, and platelet adhesiveness, and increased the level of HDL protein(Planta Medica, 1982).

4. Effects on liver protection
1) Professor Oura of Toyama University in Japan found that when Korean red ginseng was administered to rats with a two-thirds partial hepatectomy, the rate of liver regeneration was more than 34% higher than that of untreated rats. He called the effective components 'protein synthesis stimulating factor', and named it 'prostisol'(Proc. Symp., Wakan Yaku).
2) Professor D. R. Hahn of Chunang University also reported that Korean red ginseng reduced histological lesions including necrotic death of liver cells induced by toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and phenacetin (The 2nd International Ginseng Symposium, 1978).

5. Effects on stomach disorders
1) Professor Matsuda and his colleagues of Kinki University, Japan administered Korean red ginseng extract to male cats with experimentally induced gastric ulcer to study the effect of ginseng on stomach disorders. They found that the extract suppressed the gastric ulcer significantly as a result of improved blood circulation in gastric mucous membrane(The Ginseng Reviews 2(3), 1984).
2) Dr. K. H. Ahn treated patients with Korean red ginseng for one month and observed X-ray photography of the stomach to find that the movement of food in the organ in treated group was faster than that of untreated group. He claimed that the gastric movement was accelerated by the treatment(Chungang Medicine).

6. Korean ginseng eliminated hang-over
1) Professor C. N. Joo of Yonsei University observed that the administration of ginseng saponin increased the activity of various enzymes related to alcohol metabolism, and confirmed through the electron microscopy that the level of hepatic damage of the rats given ginseng with alcohol for 10days was much less than that of rats given alcohol only.
2) Dr. J. Y. Lee of the Korea Ginseng & Tobacco Research Institute tested 10 volunteers from the institute and found that the alcohol level in the blood of those who took Korean red ginseng with alcohol was significantly lower than those who took alcohol alone. The tact, she stated, indicated that the Korean red ginseng accelerated the degradation of alcoholizing the body.

7. Effect on anti-fatigue and anti-stress
1) Russian Pharmacologist, I. I. Brekhman studied the pharmacological effect of ginseng and presented the concept of tonic effect of ginseng as a "phenomenon that increases general resistance", and said that ginseng improves defence ability non-specifically by increasing resistance of the body against harmful environmental conditions. He termed it as "adaptogen(adaptability factor)" effect.
2) Dr. Petkov of Sophia Pharmacology Research Institute reported at the 2nd International Pharmacological Seminar held in Czechoslovakia in 1963 that Korean ginseng accelerates the release of hormones related to the defense mechanism against stress and thus exhibits anti-stress effect.
3) Professor Saito of the University of Tokyo also reported in 1984 that treating lab rats with Korean ginseng remarkably prevented the decline of physical capability to stress accumulation when the rats were forced to walk a tightrope.

8. Korean red ginseng has an anti-aging effect
1) Professor C. W. Park of Seoul National University found that the non-saponin components of Korean red ginseng suppressed the harmful effects of free oxygen radicals (O, H2O2, OH-, 1O2) which exercise an important role in tissue degeneration. He said it occured in result of elimination of O by the ginseng components.
2) Professor B. H. Han of Seoul National University reported that Korean red ginseng contains phenolic compounds and maltol that have anti-stress activity as well as anti-aging activity(Chinese Medicine Symposium, 1985).

9. Korean red ginseng enhances brain activity
1) Dr. Petkov of Phyisological Research Institute of Bulgaria and Professor J. S. Oh of Seoul National University found that Korean red ginseng enhances brain activity and maintains psychological stability by selectively controling mechanisms of both stimulation and pacification.
Protopanaxadiol saponin : Pacification of CNS
Protopanaxatriol saponin : Stimulation of CNS
2) In April, 1989, with the subject of 'ginseng and brain', Dr. Petkov of Phyisological Research Institute of Bulgaria stated, at the International Ginseng Seminar held at the University of Tokyo, that Korean red ginseng is notably effective in artificially induced amnesia in rats and the loss of memory in aged (22~24 month old) rats, and thus improves memory and increases learning ability of the animal. Professor Saito of the University of Tokyo also reported that Korean red ginseng is effective in enhancing brain activity based on his study similar to Dr. Petkov's. Especially, he reported that ginseng extract and ginsenosides Rg, and Rb exerted preventive effect on the retard of sexual behavior and learning ability of the animals suffering from constant stress. These reports clearly indicate that Korean red ginseng not only prevents deterioration of brain activity but also stimulates brain functions.

10. Korean ginseng improves blood circulation
1) Professor N. D. Kim of Seoul National University observed and compared the regression of contractability of the excised heart from two groups of rats ; one that was given ginseng and the other that was not. As a result, he confirmed that heart of the rats given ginseng showed prolonged contractions longer than that of control rats (Journal of Pharmacology, 1982).
2) Dr. Kaneko adminstered Korean ginseng to 30 male and female patients (45years old on average) suffering from atherosclerosis, diabetes, low blood pressure, and liver cirrhosis. The result was satisfactory recovery from those subjective symptoms-headache, heaviness in the head, flatulence, coldness in hands and feet, loss of appetite, dizziness, muscular arthralgia, fatigue-without any side effects.

11. Korean ginseng improves blood circulation
1) Professor N. D. Kim of Seoul National University observed and compared the regression of contractability of the excised heart from two groups of rats ; one that was given ginseng and the other that was not. As a result, he confirmed that heart of the rats given ginseng showed prolonged contractions longer than that of control rats (Journal of Pharmacology, 1982).
2) Dr. Kaneko adminstered Korean ginseng to 30 male and female patients (45years old on average) suffering from atherosclerosis, diabetes, low blood pressure, and liver cirrhosis. The result was satisfactory recovery from those subjective symptoms-headache, heaviness in the head, flatulence, coldness in hands and feet, loss of appetite, dizziness, muscular arthralgia, fatigue-without any side effects.

12. Effects on immune system
1) Professor K. H. Cho of Cheonnam National University administered red ginseng saponin after suppressing the function of reticuloendothelial (RE) system, which is in charge of immune responses, using immune suppressive chemicals, to find the restoration of the function of RE system. In similar experiment, Professors Kubo of Kinki University and Tanaka of Hiroshima University evidenced that Korean red ginseng promoted the function of the immune system.

13. Korean red ginseng helps recovery form anemia
1) Dr. Kaneki of Toyama Central Hospital in Japan administered the effective component of Korean red ginseng to 13 anemia and intractable anemia caused by gastrectomy(Shinliou & Shinyaku 7(12) 109).
2) Professors Yamamuraof Osaka University and Arichi of Kinki University, Japan found, through cooperative research, that Korean red ginseng was effective in 3 out of 20 aplastic anemia patients, while 14 out of 38 patients recovered from anemia symptoms of liver disease, stomach disease, diabetes, and tuberculosis. In addition from a clinical study with 51 anemia subjects who were unresponsive to various therapeutics, Professor Arichi reported that Korean red ginseng was effective against rheumatic, tuberculous, and senile anemia.

14. Protective effect of Korean red ginseng against radiation
1) Dr. Yonezawa of Osaka Radiation Center extensively studied the restorative effect of Korean red ginseng of the function of bone marrow damaged by the exposure to radiation. He administered Korean red ginseng extract to animals whose bone marrow injury had been induced by exposure to lethal does of radiation and confirmed its restorative effect on the number of red blood cells and platelets.
2) Yonezawa et al., in addition, isolated a heat-stable fraction from Korean red ginseng extract and found that the fraction stimulated the restoration from radiation injury through animal experiments. They stated ginseng was the most promising material for protection from radiation damage as no effective preventive material had been discovered.

15. Korean red ginseng effectively inhibits the proliferation of AIDS virus
1) We might say that AIDS is 'the pest of 20th century' or 'God's punishment'. In September, 1992, Dr. Y. O. Shin and his colleagues at Korea National Institute of Health stated in their report, "Effect of Korean red ginseng on AIDS", that Korean red ginseng was effective against AIDS when treated with AZT.

16. Korean red ginseng helps maintaining homeostasis in the body
1) Dr. I. I. Brekhman, a Russian scientist, stated that the pharmacological activity of Korean red ginseng is rather mild, and that, unlike synthetic medicines, it works on the control mechanisms of body and thus, has an adaptogen activity which maintains the homeostasis in physical function.

Korean Gim(dried seaweed),Gimbap,Dolgim,Jaeraegim,Paraegim

Delicious Nutrition from the Briny Depths

Gim (김, dried seaweed) is a regular side dish in Korea. It’s crisp and tasty and is often seen sprinkled atop a range of dishes, adding its own unique flavor and texture.

Gim is made of seaweed that grows around rocks on the ocean floor and is dried into a rectangle. Produced in the clean water surrounding the Korean Peninsula, it is the ultimate nutrient from the sea. Gim is produced from late December to mid-April and is considered to reach its peak, in both taste and nutrition, in the winter.

Traditionally, only two countries enjoy gim as part of their regular diets. The Japanese enjoy gim (commonly referred to as ‘nori’) as a snack between meals or with drinks. Korean gim—which is thinner and glossier than nori—has received much enthusiasm from Japanese food connoisseurs.
Gim is becoming popular in other regions all over the world for its unique aroma, texture, and shape and is lovingly referred to as ‘black paper’ overseas

The nutritional value of gim has furthered the food’s overseas reputation as a number of western countries have begun marketing it as a health food/diet food. Gim exports have steadily increasing over recent years, joining the list of Korean items (like ginseng and kimchi) that have become very popular items internationally.

Nutritional Facts

Gim has everything that the human body needs. It contains plenty of Vitamin A (good for the eyes) and Vitamin B (good for the brain) and is rich in iodine, a mineral severely lacking in most land plants. It is an important source of protein and has eight essential amino acids. The taurines found in gim are believed to help prevent high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis and help relieve hangovers. Gim is high in dietary fiber and contains a variety of important minerals: calcium, potassium, phosphate, and iron.

Types of Gim

There are more than 200 types of gim in Korea, but only four main types are readily available:

• • Dol-gim: rough surface filled with holes, both tasty and fragrant
• • Jaerae-gim (traditionally-used gim): called ‘Chosun Gim,’ roasted with sesame oil and salt
• • Gim for gimbap (Dried Seaweed Rolls or Korean Rolls): thick, tough, with few of gim’s characteristic small holes
• • Parae-gim
  • - Gim mixed with parae (green algae) and dried
  • - Relatively cheap compared with Dol-gim and Jaerae-gim
  • - Has a unique flavor when roasted and is often dipped in seasoned soy sauce

Dishes Using Gim

Gim has a variety of uses: it can be used for gim salads (made of small sliced gim), as a garnish, or as a side dish when roasted and dipped in seasoned sesame oil. In fact, perilla oil or sesame oil is often used to bring out the full flavor of gim.

What is saponin(ginsenoside) ?

 The name "saponin" was awarded because the substance generates fine foams just like soap when dissolved in water. Ordinary saponin lowers the surface tension of water and readily generates foams, exhibiting hematolytic effects. It has been proven that the medical property of ginseng saponin is mild and has no toxicity, seldom having hematolytic effects. Further, the chemical structure of ginseng saponin is completely different from those found in other herbs. Thus, for the purpose of differentiating ginseng saponin from those of other vegetables, it is called "ginsenoside," which refers to "ginseng glycoside."
A more scientific study classifies ginseng saponins into three groups according to their chemical structures: protopanaxadiol (PD), protopanaxatriol (PT) and oleanolic acid (See Figure 1). Majority of saponins existing in vegetable kingdom is of oleanane family, while ginseng saponin is known to be of triterpenoid saponin, a family of dammarane, which is rarely seen in other herbs.

Major medical actions of ginsenosides Ginseng saponin exhibits diversified effects in regulating physical functions by influencing endocrimium, central nervous system, immune system and metabolic system. Of the more than 30 different ginsenosides contained in KOREA INSAM, more than ten individual ginsenosides have been proven for their medical actions. These ginsenosides exhibit similar or opposite properties. Thus, ingredients akin or dissimilar to each other in terms of properties coexist in KOREA INSAM. For example, ginsenoside-Rb1, a typical PD family saponin, exhibits inhibitive function to CNS (central nervous system) while ginsenoside-Rg1, a typical PT family saponin, exhibits excitative function. These ingredients, however, are believed to be exhibiting no antagonism against each other.