Unearthing Korea's superfood: Korean red ginseng

Korea's secret superfood

Did you know? Korean red ginseng is the world's most powerful form of ginseng, containing over 30 varieties of ginseng saponins, outranking other ginseng species. It is a functional health food recognised by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. As an adaptogen, it helps counteract stress and fatigue, as well as strengthen our body's immune response.

A natural health booster

The benefits of Korean red ginseng as certified by the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety include boosting immunity, assisting recovery from fatigue, facilitating blood circulation, improving memory, easing climacteric symptoms and providing powerful antioxidative effects.

6-years-grown for maximum efficacy

Extensive research has shown that Korean red ginseng reaches its optimal maturity and maximum efficacy at the 6th year. If cultivated for a longer time, into the 7th - 8th year, ginseng starts to deteriorate and lose some of its nutrients. This is why Cheong Kwan Jang only uses 6-year-old ginseng which are contractually farmed under the strictest conditions.

The wonders of Korean red ginseng

Did you know? Not all ginseng are created equal. The process of steaming and air drying fresh Korean ginseng to turn them into the signature Korean red ginseng actually helps produce new active ingredients and elevate the benefits of the ginseng.

Main Active Ingredients of Red Ginseng Comparison of main active ingredients among Korean Ginseng (P. panax), and American ginseng (P. quinquefolius).

Active Ingredient	Korean Red Ginseng	American Ginseng
Kinds of Saponin	31	19
PD/PT Ratio	1.33	2.15
Polyacetylene (%)	0.089	0.064
Acidic Polysaccharide(%)	7.74	2.09

Benefits of Key Active Constituents Functions of Ginsenoside Saponins & Non-Saponins found in Korean Red Ginseng

Type	Active Ingredient	Benefits
Saponin	Ro	Alcohol detoxification, immune system, anti-inflammation
-PD	Rb1	Central nerve control, liver protection, antioxidant processes
-PT	Rc	Sedative, protein and lipid synthesis facilitation
	Re	Blood regulation, anti-oxidant
	Rf	Neuron protection
	Rg1	Supporting cognition, anti-fatigue, anti-stress, immune system, liver protection
	Rh1	Liver protection, immune system
	Rh2	Immune system
Non-saponin	Polyacetylene	Immune system, preventing thrombosis, inhibiting lipid peroxidation
	Phenolic compounds	Antioxidant processes, anti-aging
	Acidic polysaccharides	Anti-aging, reducing side effects of certain drugs, immune system, preventing hyperlipidemia
	Insulin analog	Lowering blood-sugar levels

Is Korean red ginseng heaty?

In TCM, Korean red ginseng is considered to be warm in nature hence it is not heaty. Consuming it can help improve metabolism and blood circulation, which may leave a person feeling flushed or warmer than usual. However, this effect is due to the enhanced blood circulation, which increases skin temperature, but does not change the body's core temperature. In fact, numerous studies have reported that consuming Korean red ginseng helps maintain normal body temperature.

Regulating the dosage is key

Korean red ginseng is safe to be consumed as a daily supplement. The recommended dosage on the packaging is meant for Korean consumers, who have been exposed to the use of Korean red ginseng since young. Given that the climate and dietary habits of Singaporeans differ from Koreans, new users who are starting to take Korean red ginseng are not recommended to consume the full dosage at the beginning.

Easing into your ginseng regime

Users are recommended to consume 3g of Korean red ginseng daily to reap the maximum health benefits of the ginseng. However, those aged 3 to 15 years old are to consume half the regular dosage. When beginning a ginseng regime, start off with a half serving and slowly increase to full dosage as your body adapts to the effects of ginseng. Although side-effects are rare and uncommon, reduce dosage or stop usage if you are unsure.