Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

(For benefits of ginkgo biloba, scroll down)

Ginkgo is one of the oldest tree species; they can live up to 1000 years. The leaf extract is used as a medicinal herb in many countries.

And in traditional Chinese medicine, ginkgo seeds are commonly used.

For centuries, the ginkgo tree was thought to be extinct in the wild; however, it's known to grow in remote Eastern China.

Other names for the ginkgo tree:

maidenhair tree

kew tree

Japanese silver apricot

The ginkgo tree often reaches 25-30m. The tree has wild branches and is deep rooted, making it resilient against strong winds and snow. Being disease-resistant and insect-resistant also makes this a long-lived tree.

Ginkgo Biloba Memory

Basically, ginkgo helps get more blood and oxygen to your head. The natural compounds in ginkgo biloba help blood vessels expand and relax.

This lets blood circulate faster.

Ginkgo also prevents plaque buildup in arteries. This allows blood to circulate more easily. If plaque clogs arteries, it often leads to a stroke.

For those of us that know someone who's had a stroke (my grandma did), you know that it greatly diminishes
their memory.

List of ginkgo biloba benefits:

• improves brain function

• slows the onset on Alzheimer’s disease

• reverses age-related memory loss

• enhances blood circulation

• protects cells from cancerous free radicals

Energy drink labels often list ginkgo as an ingredient, but it’s usually in a low, ineffective amount. Don't be fooled.

The flavanoids and terpenoids in ginkgo biloba stop free radicals from damaging cell membranes and DNA. Free radical damage is one of the primary causes of heart disease and cancer.

Combating free radicals is one the best defenses against aging.

Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects

People who take blood thinners or painkillers (like warfarin or aspirin) should consult their doctor.

Combining these medications with ginkgo extract can cause internal bleeding. Pregnant and nursing women should also be cautious.

Also, eating fresh ginkgo seeds causes nausea.

Ginkgo Biloba in a Supplement

Herbs come in many forms; standardized extracts are the most potent. Extracts highly concentrate the active ingredients. Ginkgo biloba should be standardized to contain 25 percent gingko flavonoglycosides.

Look for this on the label.

Ginkgo biloba is essential to any anti-aging supplement. One of the scariest things about aging is losing our memory. Everyone wants to remember what they've done in life and maintain their independence.

But that will be difficult if our short-term and long-term memory fails.