Schisandra Berry Benefits, Side Effects, and Recommended Intake

With growing interest in health these days, information on various health foods is widely sought. Today, we'll be looking specifically at Schisandra chinensis (오미자). Its name comes from the fact that it has five tastes (오가지), but let's explore what health benefits it offers and what precautions should be taken.

What is Schisandra chinensis (오미자)?

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) is the fruit of the Schisandra chinensis plant. It's a round fruit about 1cm in diameter with a deep red color. It's called Schisandra chinensis (오미자) because it has five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy. It's mainly enjoyed as a tea, and its pleasant taste and aroma make it a popular health food.

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) is rich in various nutrients. Key components include vitamin B1, calcium, potassium, protein, iron, and phosphorus. These nutrients offer various health benefits such as strengthening the immune system, regulating blood sugar, improving digestion, and promoting skin health. It's also rich in lignans, an antioxidant that removes free radicals in the body, preventing aging and potentially preventing cancer.

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) has been used as a medicinal herb for a long time in Korea and other parts of Asia, and its effectiveness is being proven in modern medicine. However, there are some side effects to be aware of before consumption, so it's important to consume it in the right amount.

Five Tastes and Nutritional Characteristics of Schisandra chinensis (오미자)

The characteristic tastes of Schisandra chinensis (오미자) – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy – each have their own nutritional characteristics.

* Sweet: Primarily from simple sugars like fructose and glucose, it is quickly absorbed by the body to provide energy.

* Sour: From organic acids like malic acid, tartaric acid, and citric acid, it is effective in relieving fatigue and promoting metabolism.

* Bitter: From components like schisantherin A, citral, and schizandrin, it strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure.

* Salty: From sodium chloride (salt), it strengthens kidney function and helps prevent cystitis.

* Spicy: From essential oils, it strengthens lung function and alleviates phlegm and cough.

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) is a low-calorie food with about 23 kcal per 100g and is rich in dietary fiber, making it good for dieting. As mentioned earlier, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals, and antioxidants, providing various health benefits such as strengthening immunity, relieving fatigue, and preventing aging.

Main Health Benefits of Schisandra chinensis (오미자)

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) has various health benefits. Some of the most notable are listed below.

* Immune System Strengthening: Schisandra chinensis (오미자) is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, and calcium, and antioxidants like lignans and schizandrin, which help strengthen the immune system.

* Respiratory Disease Improvement: Its expectorant properties help clear phlegm and alleviate coughs, and it can help improve respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.

* Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: It is known to help prevent hypertension and arteriosclerosis. It also improves blood circulation, which has a positive effect on heart health.

* Blood Sugar Regulation: It has been shown to have anti-diabetic effects. Animal studies have shown that Schisandra chinensis (오미자) extract improves blood sugar levels and insulin resistance.

* Stress Relief: It stimulates the central nervous system to relax nerves and clear the mind, helping to relieve stress. It is also effective in improving symptoms such as insomnia and forgetfulness.

Side Effects to Watch Out For When Consuming Schisandra chinensis (오미자)

While it offers various health benefits, there are also several side effects to be aware of when consuming it.

* Digestive Disorders: Consuming large amounts can irritate the digestive system, causing digestive disorders. People with weak stomachs or indigestion should adjust their intake or consult a doctor before consumption.

* Kidney Disease: Because of its high potassium content, excessive consumption by people with poor kidney function can increase potassium levels in the body, potentially straining the heart.

* Allergic Reactions: Although rare, it can cause allergic reactions. If you experience symptoms such as rash, hives, or difficulty breathing after consumption, stop immediately and visit a doctor.

It's important to consider your health condition and body type and consume an appropriate amount. When consuming for the first time, it's best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the quantity.

Popular Schisandra chinensis (오미자) Dishes and Teas

It's primarily consumed as a tea or beverage, but it can also be used in various dishes.

* Schisandra chinensis (오미자) Tea: Made by boiling dried Schisandra chinensis (오미자) in water. Since it tastes sour and sweet, it's usually enjoyed with honey or sugar. It can be enjoyed chilled in summer and warm in winter.

* Schisandra chinensis (오미자) Punch (화채): A traditional beverage made by diluting Schisandra chinensis (오미자) in water with fruits like watermelon and pear. Its beautiful color and delicious taste make it a popular choice for entertaining guests or holiday meals.

* Schisandra chinensis (오미자) Makgeolli (막걸리): A famous regional specialty liquor made by fermenting Schisandra chinensis (오미자), characterized by its refreshing taste and aroma.

It can also be used in salads and smoothies. This not only enriches the nutritional value but also enhances the taste and color.

Schisandra chinensis (오미자) Consumption Methods and Recommended Amount

Although it contains various nutrients and is good for health, there are precautions to take before consumption.

* Consumption Method: It is mainly consumed as tea. Dried fruit is soaked in cold water, and honey or sugar is added to the reddish-colored water. Fresh fruit can also be eaten directly, but it's very sour, so it's more commonly used to make a syrup (청).

* Recommended Daily Intake: Usually, 1-2 cups are appropriate. Excessive consumption can cause side effects such as stomach ache and diarrhea. People with a fever, stomach or duodenal ulcers, or hypertension should avoid consumption.

Medications and Foods That May Interact With Schisandra chinensis (오미자)

Caution is needed as it may interact with certain medications and foods.

* Some Medications: When taken with hypoglycemic agents or cold medicines, the effectiveness of the medications may be reduced, so it's best to separate the consumption times.
* Foods: Consuming it with dairy products like milk and yogurt, which are rich in calcium and iron, may hinder absorption, so it's best to avoid combining them. Since it's very sour, those with sensitive stomachs should avoid overconsumption.

Health Management Through Schisandra chinensis (오미자): Real-Life Cases and Research Results

Various health benefits have been reported. Some of them are introduced below.

* Immune System Strengthening: Its excellent antioxidant action helps strengthen the immune system by activating immune cells. There are research results showing that the immune cell activity of mice who consumed Schisandra chinensis (오미자) extract increased.

* Respiratory Disease Improvement: It is effective in alleviating symptoms such as asthma, cough, and phlegm, and also helps improve lung function.

* Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: It helps lower blood pressure, promote blood circulation, and lower cholesterol levels, making it effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and heart disease.

Today, we looked at Schisandra chinensis (오미자), a mysterious fruit with five tastes. While it offers many benefits, there are also precautions to keep in mind. Remember these points and enjoy Schisandra chinensis (오미자) healthily!