Ginkgo biloba is a millennial medicinal plant in China very rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, so it has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Extracts made with this plant seem to have several health benefits that are primarily related to improved arterial, cerebral and peripheral blood flow. Because of its particularly pronounced 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:.
Ginkgo biloba improves blood microcirculation by increasing the amount of oxygen available in various parts of the body. One of these places is the brain and, therefore, the use of this plant can facilitate reflection and increase concentration, because the brain enters more blood for proper functioning.
In addition, as it also has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, continued use of Ginkgo biloba also seems to prevent the onset of mental fatigue, especially in very active people.
Due to increased blood circulation in the brain and improved cognitive abilities, ginkgo also prevents damage to neurons, combating memory loss, especially in the elderly, helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Even in patients already with Alzheimer’s disease, several studies indicate an improvement in mental and social skills when using Ginkgo biloba associated with medical treatment.
The use of Ginkgo biloba helps improve the body’s ability to cope with high levels of cortisol and adrenaline, which occur in the body in the event of an episode of high stress. In this way, people with anxiety disorders can benefit from using this plant because they find it easier to manage the excess stress they feel.
Also due to its action on hormonal balance, ginkgo decreases sudden mood swings, especially in women during PMS, reducing the risk of developing depression.
Because of 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 retain vision for longer, especially in people with problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, for example.
Ginkgo biloba causes a slight dilation of blood vessels and thus improves blood circulation, decreasing pressure on the vessels and heart. Therefore, blood pressure tends to decrease, especially in people with high blood pressure.
In addition to lowering blood pressure, ginkgo also seems to prevent the formation of blood clots. As a result, there is less pressure on the heart, which ultimately makes it easier to function. Also, because there’s less risk of clots, there’s also less risk of a heart attack, for example.
Ginkgo biloba seems to increase libido through the hormonal balance it causes and increases blood flow to the genital area, which ultimately helps men with erectile dysfunction, for example.
The way Ginkgo biloba is used may vary depending on the desired benefit and brand of the laboratory that produces the supplement. Therefore, it is better to always read the instructions in the product box or seek the advice of a naturopath, for example.
However, the standard dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract for improving brain concentration and performance is 120 to 240 mg, 1 to 4 hours before a test, for example. In addition to food and for various other benefits, the standard dosage is 40 to 120 mg, 3 times daily.
Ideally, Ginkgo biloba supplements should be taken with a meal to facilitate absorption.
The side effects of Ginkgo biloba are rare, especially when used at the correct dosage, however, some people may experience headaches, allergic skin reactions, nausea, palpitations, bleeding or low blood pressure.
Although a very safe plant, Ginkgo biloba should not be used in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, as well as patients at high risk of bleeding or active bleeding.