Ginseng & Green Tea Diet for Men's Health

Men and women share many common health concerns. Both are affected by heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. But often these diseases and other health concerns affect men differently. For example, men tend to suffer from high blood pressure more often. Prostate problems and erectile dysfunction are other health concerns specific to men.

Adding ginseng and green tea to your daily diet may prevent or improve some of the most worrisome health problems men face, including heart disease and sexual difficulties.

Ginseng and Men’s Health

• The Chinese have used ginseng since ancient times. It can provide a number of health benefits. It boosts the immune system, increases alertness, enhances energy and works as an antioxidant within the body.

  Ginseng can help to enhance male health because it boosts circulation. It’s often recommended to combat impotency that results from poor circulation. It can help relieve the sluggish feeling that accompanies declining testosterone levels with age. Ginseng may help to increase overall sexual performance and enhance fertility in men. It also can promote better heart health by improving cholesterol levels. This could help to stave off heart disease--the leading killer of men.

Green Tea and Men’s Health

• Green tea is another beneficial herb with a long history beginning in China. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that can help your body to stay healthy at the cellular level. Green tea can provide health benefits to anyone who drinks it, but it’s of particular interest to men because of its affects on heart health. In population studies, green tea has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

Using Gingseng and Green Tea

• For men to get the most benefit out of ginseng and green tea, it’s important to take them correctly. Both are safe to take on a daily basis.

  For ginseng, look for American or Asian ginseng supplements that contain 5 to 7 percent standardized ginsenosides. Take 200 mg twice a day. Ginseng works best when taken intermittently. Take it daily for two weeks, then stop for two weeks. Repeat the cycle for the best results. Ginseng can lower blood sugar, so be sure to take it on a full stomach. People with high blood pressure or anxiety disorders shouldn’t take ginseng unless they are under the care of a health professional. Siberian ginseng is different and contains different active compounds, so it won’t provide the same health benefits.

  Green tea delivers the most health benefits when you drink five to ten cups of strong tea a day. It does contain some caffeine. If you find it disrupts your sleep, limit your tea intake to the morning and early afternoon hours.