Ginkgo biloba is an ancestral medicinal plant from China that is quite rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, thus having a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
The extracts made with this plant appear to have several health benefits which are mainly related to the improvement of arterial, cerebral and peripheral blood flow. Due to its specially marked action in brain stimulation, the Gikgo is known as a natural elixir for mental health.
However, this plant also has many other benefits related to circulatory, ocular and heart health. So, some of its key benefits include:
1. Improve brain performance and concentration
Ginkgo biloba improves blood microcirculation by increasing the amount of oxygen available at various body sites. One of these sites is the brain, so the use of this plant can ease thinking and increase concentration, as more blood reaches the brain for its proper functioning.
In addition, as it also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action, the continued use of Ginkgo biloba also seems to avoid the onset of mental fatigue, especially in very active people.
2. Avoid memory loss
Due to increased blood circulation in the brain and improved cognitive ability, Ginkgo also prevents neuronal damage by fighting memory loss, especially in the elderly, helping to prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Even in patients who already have Alzheimer's disease, several studies point to an improvement in mental capacity and socialization when using Gikgo biloba associated with medical treatment.
3. Combat anxiety and depression
The use of Ginkgo biloba helps improve the body's ability to cope with the high levels of cortisol and adrenaline that are produced in the body when there is a very stressful episode. This way, people suffering from anxiety disorders can benefit from the consumption of this plant since it is easier to deal with the excess stress they are feeling.
Also due to its action on the hormonal balance, Ginkgo reduces abrupt mood changes, 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 in the body, Ginkgo appears to prevent damage to sensitive eye sites such as the cornea, macula and retina. Thus, this supplement can be used to preserve vision for longer, especially in people with problems such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, for example.
5. Adjust blood pressure
Ginkgo biloba causes a slight dilation of the blood vessels and, thereby, improves blood circulation, decreasing pressure on the heart. In this way, 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 the formation of blood clots. Thus, there is less pressure on the heart, which facilitates its functioning. Also, because there is less risk of having blood clots, there are also less chances of having a heart attack, for example.
7. Increase libido
Ginkgo biloba appears to boost libido through the hormonal balance it causes and increases blood circulation to the genital region, which also ends up helping men with erectile dysfunction, for example.
How to take Ginkgo biloba
The mode of use of Ginkgo biloba may vary according to the benefit to be achieved and the brand of the laboratory that is producing the supplement. So it is best to always read the indications of the product box or ask for advice to a naturopath, for example.
However, the standard dosage of Ginkgo biloba extract to improve mental health is 120 to 240 mg, 1 to 3 times a day, during meals.
Possible side effects
The side effects of Ginkgo biloba are rare, especially when used in the correct dosage, 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 fairly safe plant, Ginkgo biloba should not be used in children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, breast-feeding women, as well as in patients at high risk of bleeding or with some active bleeding.
