Schisandra
The Schisandra chinensis, also known as the five flavor fruit, is a vine that bears a unique type of berry. These berries are a vibrant purple-red color and are said to possess five distinct tastes – sweet, salty, bitter, pungent, and sour. Additionally, the seeds of the Schisandra berry contain lignans, which are substances believed to offer various health benefits.
Although not commonly consumed as food, the Schisandra berry has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries in countries like Asia and Russia.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Schisandra berry is considered to be beneficial for qi, which is the life force or energy present in all living things. It is believed that this fruit can positively affect various meridians, or pathways, in the body, including the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Nitric Oxide (NO2), Better Vasodilation
A muscle pump refers to the increased blood flow to your muscles, which provides more nutrients, oxygen, and better transportation of fats for energy. This improved blood flow is essential for muscle growth and development, and burning body fat.
Schisandra works by increasing the levels of an enzyme called endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which converts Arginine into Nitric Oxide (NO2).
NO2 relaxes the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow around your body, delivering more nutrients and removing more waste.
Lowering Cortisol for Better Health
Cortisol is a hormone that helps maintain the balance of energy and inflammation in the body. However, excessive cortisol levels can result in abdominal weight gain, muscle loss, increased stress, insomnia, headaches, anxiety and depression, being wired and tired, and inflammation.
Improving Sexual Function
Cortisol levels are closely related to sex hormones like testosterone, so controlling cortisol levels can lead to better sexual function. This includes improved muscle recovery and growth, better bone density, enhanced libido, and lowered body fat. Schisandra also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damage from free radicals, which can lead to cellular damage and a decrease in sexual function.
Anti-inflammatory compounds, on the other hand, can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to decreased sexual performance and decreased testosterone levels.
Schisandra has also been shown to improve blood flow and circulation, which is important for sexual performance. When blood flow is improved, the body can better transport oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the areas that need them most. This improved blood flow can help to increase sexual function by improving the delivery of essential nutrients and hormones to the sexual organs.
Supporting Your Immune System
Getting sick can be a major setback in your progress and motivation. Schisandra, being an adaptogen, has been shown to help prevent and reduce the symptoms of the common cold. It is also rich in natural antioxidants that help prevent cells from aging and deteriorating, including your immune system.
Schisandra chinensis truly is a superfood. If you’re looking to feel, look, and function better, it’s a good idea to have Schisandra in your daily supplement regimen.
Fat Loss Benefits
Your liver is responsible for converting fatty acids into ketones, which serve as an energy source for your brain and body. However, if your liver is not functioning optimally, you may not be able to fully maximize fat burning and detoxification. In fact, a sluggish liver could even hinder your progress in losing weight, as your body may create extra fat tissue to store toxins that aren’t being eliminated.
By supporting liver function, Schisandra can help ensure that you’re able to effectively burn fat and rid your body of harmful substances.
In conclusion, Schisandra is a versatile plant with a wide range of benefits, including improved liver function, stress reduction, and sexual function, as well as immune support. Whether you’re looking to improve your overall health or specifically address certain health concerns, Schisandra is definitely worth considering.
