- 1. Improve brain performance and concentration
- 2. Avoid memory loss
- 3. Fight anxiety and depression
- 4. Improve eye health
- 5. Regulate blood pressure
- 6. Improve heart health
- 7. Increase libido
- How to take Ginkgo biloba
- Possible side effects
- Who should not take
Ginkgo biloba is an ancient medicinal plant from China that is very rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, thus having a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
The extracts made with this plant seem to have several health benefits that are mainly related to the improvement of arterial, cerebral and peripheral blood flow. Due to its specially marked action on brain stimulation, Ginkgo is known as a natural elixir for mental health.
However, this plant also has many other benefits related to circulatory, eye and heart health. Some of its main benefits include:
1. Improve brain performance and concentration
Ginkgo biloba improves blood microcirculation by increasing the amount of oxygen available at various places in the body. One of these places is the brain and, therefore, the use of this plant can facilitate thinking and increase concentration, since there is more blood arriving in the brain for its correct functioning.
In addition, as it also has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, the continuous use of Ginkgo biloba also seems to prevent the appearance of mental tiredness, especially in very active people.
2. Avoid memory loss
Due to increased blood circulation in the brain and improved cognitive ability, Ginkgo also prevents damage to neurons, fighting memory loss, especially in the elderly, helping to prevent Alzheimer's.
Even in patients who already have Alzheimer's, several studies point to an improvement in mental and social skills, when using Ginkgo biloba associated with medical treatment.
3. Fight anxiety and depression
The use of Ginkgo biloba helps to improve the body's ability to deal with the high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which are produced in the body when there is an episode of high stress. That way, people who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from consuming this plant as it becomes easier to deal with the excess stress they are feeling.
Also due to its action on hormonal balance, Ginkgo decreases sudden changes in mood, especially in women during PMS, reducing the risk of developing depression.
4. Improve eye health
Due to its ability to improve blood circulation and eliminate free radicals from the body, Ginkgo appears to prevent damage to sensitive areas of the eye, such as the cornea, macula and retina. Thus, this supplement can be used to preserve vision for a longer time, especially in people with problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, for example.
5. Regulate blood pressure
Ginkgo biloba causes a slight dilation of blood vessels and, thereby, improves blood circulation, decreasing pressure on the vessels and the heart. Thus, blood pressure tends to decrease, especially in people with high blood pressure.
6. Improve heart health
In addition to lowering blood pressure, Ginkgo also appears to prevent blood clots from forming. Thus, there is less pressure on the heart, which ends up facilitating its functioning. In addition, as there is less risk of having clots, there is also less chance of suffering a heart attack, for example.
7. Increase libido
Ginkgo biloba seems to increase libido through the hormonal balance it causes and the increased blood circulation to the genital region, which ends up helping men with erectile dysfunction, for example.
How to take Ginkgo biloba
The way of using Ginkgo biloba can vary according to the benefit that is intended to achieve and the brand of the laboratory that is producing the supplement. Thus, it is best to always read the instructions on the product box or ask for advice from a naturopath, for example.
However, the standard dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract to improve concentration and brain performance is 120 to 240 mg, 1 to 4 hours before a test, for example. As a food supplement and to obtain several other benefits, the standard dose is 40 to 120 mg, 3 times a day.
Ideally, Ginkgo biloba supplements should be taken with a meal to facilitate absorption.
Possible side effects
Side effects of Ginkgo biloba are rare, especially when used in the correct dose, however, some people may experience headache, allergic skin reaction, feeling sick, palpitations, bleeding or lowering blood pressure.
Who should not take
Although it is a very safe plant, Ginkgo biloba should not be used in children under the age of 12, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, as well as in patients at high risk of bleeding or with active bleeding.
