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| A children's tonic produced by Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC) has become popular in recent weeks amid the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. The tonic and other KGC products contain red ginseng extract, which has been found to help boost the immune system, among other health benefits. / Courtesy of KGC |
By Lee Hyo-sik
Red ginseng products are once again attracting keen attention from the public as more people look for food items that help boost the immune system amid the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak.
One of the widely known preventative steps against the highly infectious, flu-like virus is to consume food products that strengthen the immune system. This has made red ginseng a highly sought after item these days for those increasingly concerned about the epidemic.
According to Korea Ginseng Corp. (KGC), Sunday, its sales soared 40 percent in June from the same month a year ago. In particular, red ginseng tonic products for children and adolescents, which also contain a mix of calcium and vitamins, surged 88 percent and 108 percent, respectively, reflecting growing concerns among parents over the MERS virus.
Normally, the demand for red ginseng products is low in June because many people buy them in May as a gift for their families and friends on Parents' Day and other special occasions.
KCG expects the demand to continue to remain strong in the coming months, saying that red ginseng products were extremely popular in 2003 when Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) swept across Asia. Red ginseng was also a sought after item in 2008 when H1N1 influenza A, formerly known as swine flu, spread.
"Red ginseng has become popular because it boosts the immune system," a KGC spokesman said. "According to many research studies, ginseng's main remedial effects include strengthening the immune system, stamina and blood circulation. Ginseng's saponin component is known to invigorate the body."
"The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety recently recognized its health benefits. The Korean Dietetic Association also picked red ginseng as one of 10 food items to enhance the immune system along with garlic and sweet potatoes," he said. "KGC produces a wide range of high-quality products using only 6-year-old red ginseng. To produce red ginseng, KGC peels freshly harvested roots, and then steams and dries them."
The spokesman said the company's Cheong-Kwan-Jang brand is highly recognized both at home and abroad for its premium, high-quality products.
"We only use six-year-old ginseng cultivated at ginseng farms that have signed contracts with us. In a strong partnership with the farms across the country, we supervise all the cultivation process to secure the high-quality produce," he said. "Farmers have to pass our rigorous quality test if they want to supply ginseng to us. Using only the premium ginseng differentiates our products from those of other companies."
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