COFFEE AND GINSENG: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO DRINKS?

The favorite drink of Italians, without a doubt, is coffee. Whether it’s espresso, long, decaffeinated, macchiato, served in a cup or glass, it’s always the right time to enjoy a cup.

Sometimes there is a need, for various reasons, to change and make room for something new. In this regard, ginseng is one of the alternative drinks to coffee that is enjoying greater success, both at the bar and for home preparation. 

In recent years, in fact, not only have many bars allowed their customers to experiment with this new drink, but also producers of coffee and capsules have begun to offer them to the public, such as DolceVita with ginseng capsules compatible with the main coffee machines (Nespresso®, Dolce Gusto®, A Modo Mio®, Espresso Point®, Uno System®) .

But what differentiates ginseng from coffee ? What are the main characteristics of these two drinks? 

The beneficial properties of coffee

Coffee is an energizing drink obtained by grinding the seeds of some particular small trees of the tropical regions of the globe, all belonging to the so-called ”Coffea” genus. 

Coffee has had a great diffusion in the world not only for the sensitive characteristics involving taste and smell, but also for its properties.

But what are the real benefits that coffee brings to our body? Numerous researches have been conducted in this regard, especially regarding the role of the main constituent of coffee: caffeine. Caffeine is a psychoactive molecule which, as such, acts on the functionality of our central nervous system, stimulates and improves brain processes such as functions concerning memory, concentration and mood. 

However, it’s good not to overdo it , as you can run into neurological overstimulation; scientists recommend a dose of 3-5 cups a day. Furthermore, other studies have shown that taking such a dose of coffee provides valid protection against some neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease. Coffee, however, is not only a precious ally of the nervous system. In fact, the presence of vitamins B2, B3, B5 and some mineral salts (potassium, magnesium and manganese), make this drink an antioxidant elixir, capable of counteracting the negative effects of aging and free radicals.

The properties of ginseng

Ginseng , unlike coffee, has developed and spread in the eastern part of the planet, where it is obtained from a family of plants, the Araliaceae. From the roots of these plants, the raw material for the preparation of ginseng coffee is obtained. 

What does this drink look like? At first glance it may seem similar to a cappuccino, due to its honey color , characterized by a very sweet taste . 

Generally, like coffee, it is served hot in a cup. Ginseng represents a valid alternative to coffee , not only for its taste characteristics, but also thanks to its energizing properties. 

Recent studies, in fact, have shown how ginseng is able to produce stimulating effects on the nervous system , acting on the regulatory mechanisms. Other benefits that have been observed from taking ginseng are: reduction of the sense of hunger, reduction of the sense of stress and limitation of the sense of fatigue. So why not try?