Ginseng Softgels

Discover the Benefits of Ginseng Softgels

Ginseng is an ancient root with a colourful history of medicinal use. Over the years, scientific research has confirmed the root’s ability to improve health and help protect against various diseases. Among its many therapeutic applications, Ginseng is known as a powerful adaptogen, an exercise performance enhancer, an aphrodisiac, and an immune system booster. It is widely available in health food stores, Asian markets, and online and can be purchased as a fresh root, in dried or powdered form or as a tea. Ginseng is also available in supplement form like softgels, powders and tablets.

Understanding the Composition of Softgels

If you're familiar with dietary supplements, you've likely come across softgels, another delivery format alongside capsules, tablets, powders, liquid drops, and tinctures.  

Softgels (or soft gelatin capsules) are a popular supplement, and they offer significant advantages but also come with a few drawbacks. To begin, let's define softgels – a shell enclosing a liquid, semi-solid, or paste-like substance, unlike capsules containing a powdered herb. Different components are used to make softgels:

Gelatin – The primary material used to create the softgel shell is gelatin. Gelatin, of course, is a protein derived from collagen, which is typically sourced from animal connective tissues and bones. Bovine (cattle) and porcine (pigs) gelatin are the most common sources, so they are not appropriate for vegetarians and vegans. This being said, vegan or vegetarian alternatives have been developed using plant-based materials like cellulose or modified starch. Always read the label to make sure you know what you’re purchasing.

Opacifiers – Some softgels contain opacifiers, such as titanium dioxide, which 

can cause skin rash, trouble breathing, lips, face, or throat swelling, wheezing, runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes. Opacifiers are used to provide colour and improve the appearance of the soft gel shell.

Plasticizers – To ensure flexibility and prevent the softgel from becoming brittle, plasticizers are added to the gelatin mixture. Commonly used plasticizers include glycerin and sorbitol.

Preservatives and Antioxidants – Depending on the contents of the softgel, preservatives and Antioxidants may be added to extend the shelf life of the product and minimize or retard oxidative processes that occur upon exposure to oxygen or free radicals.

Purified Water – Water is used to hydrate the gelatin and create a perfect texture for the softgel shell.

Key Advantages of the Softgel Format for Supplementation

Although certain softgels supplements can contain non-medicinal ingredients that are not all that natural, it's undeniable that this delivery format offers unique advantages that other delivery formats simply cannot. 

To begin, because ginseng softgels have a smooth gel-like texture, softgels are easy to swallow, which is critical for those who have difficulty swallowing large or dry tablets. The soft gel casing also helps mask any unpleasant odours or tastes of the contents inside, which is particularly helpful in the case of ginseng, which has a distinctly earthy, woody aroma that not everyone is a fan of. Moreover, the soft gel shell acts as a protective barrier against external factors such as light, air, and moisture, which helps preserve the ingredients' stability and potency, extending the product's shelf life.

Health Benefits of Ginseng Softgels

Panax ginseng supplements offer similar yet distinct health benefits in whatever delivery format you choose. Some of these include:

• Boosts Mental & Physical Performance
• Enhances Energy Production
• Helps Balance The Nervous System / Mood Support
• Stimulates The Immune System
• Supports Stress Management

Essential Considerations for Choosing Ginseng Softgel Supplements

So, you’ve decided to try a ginseng supplement to help support your health and wellness regimen… but with so many products on the market, how do you choose? Some things to pay attention to when making your choice include transparent labelling (sounds like a no-brainer, but not run of the mill), products labelled as having been third-party tested, and those made by manufacturers that adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Some high-quality, reputable ginseng brands include Botanica, Clef Des Champs, Nature's Way, Natural Factors, Now, Organika, Prairie Naturals, and St-Francis Herb Farm.