Ginkgo Biloba: What are its health benefits?

There are many supplements these days that can support your health. Ginkgo biloba has also become a well-known name for many people. Traditionally, the leaves and seeds of this tree are used for health problems. Now research shows that extracts of Ginkgo biloba can actually have an anti-inflammatory effect and have a positive effect on blood circulation. If you want to know more about the benefits of Ginkgo biloba, read on below.

What is Ginkgo biloba?

Ginkgo biloba is a special tree. This deciduous tree is actually a living fossil, because it is the oldest living tree species on earth. The species has been around for 250 million years! Unfortunately, the Ginkgo biloba no longer occurs in the wild, but you can still find it a lot in beautiful temple gardens and parks. The trees can become very old, up to a thousand years. Other names for this tree are Japanese walnut and Maiden hair tree, because of the fine structure of the leaves.

Although the tree is called a nut tree, the Ginkgo biloba produces seeds. They look somewhat like a fruit and (when they grow here) are formed in the fall. However, the seeds have a very unpleasant odor, which can be compared to the stench of vomit or poo. Trees are therefore not really popular in residential areas in the Netherlands.

Despite this, Ginkgo biloba supplements are very popular, because they could have a positive effect on your health. People use it for concentration problems, fatigue, PMS, high or low blood pressure and mental disorders, such as dementia, anxiety and depression. Below we take a closer look at the health benefits of Ginkgo biloba.

What are the health effects of Ginkgo biloba?

Protective effect on the brain

Research on mice indicates that Ginkgo biloba may help protect the brain. This is because it has an anti-inflammatory effect and can also promote cell growth in the hippocampus. This area of ​​the brain is important for learning and memory. Researchers  suspect that extracts from this tree improve mitochondrial function (mitochondria are cells' energy suppliers).

In addition, it ensures that the blood flows better and regulates the release of serotonin. Due to these properties, Ginkgo biloba could potentially be a useful supplement for dementia and other degenerative brain disorders.

Anti-inflammatory properties

An inflammatory response is a normal response of the body to illness or injury. Ginkgo biloba appears to be able to inhibit the inflammatory response, according to research. It can therefore be used in conditions where there is an excessive or chronic inflammatory reaction. Think of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), rheumatism, cancer or heart disease.

Improve blood circulation

In traditional medicine, Ginkgo biloba is used for the fact that it improves the flow of energy to the organs. Research now shows that it is not so much about energy as about improving blood circulation.

It turns out that the resource creates an increase  of nitric oxide (NO) in the blood. This is important because NO has a vasodilating effect, so that blood can flow better. This can benefit people who have problems with blood flow, especially with cardiovascular disease. It also has a positive effect on memory and concentration.

Furthermore, the extract can also help strengthen arterial walls and generally improve the condition of the blood vessels. It is the anti-inflammatory properties that provide the positive effect on the health of the heart and blood vessels. Ginkgo biloba may therefore help protect against stroke or heart attack.

Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that can help protect the cells of our body against the schade from free radicals. They can slow down the aging of cells. Ginkgo biloba is rich in various flavonoids and terpenes. It contains Ginkgoliden A, B and C, bilobalide and ginkgolic acid.

Positive effects on memory

Those who have problems with memory or concentration may also benefit from a Ginkgo biloba supplement. This is one of the areas where some more research has been done. Ginkgo biloba can have a positive effect on healthy people as well as people with dementia.

The asset has a protective operation. It can promote blood flow to the brain. In addition, the antioxidants can slow down the breakdown of fats in the brain. Furthermore, brain cells can make more efficient use of nutrients and oxygen and it reduces the formation of amyloid plaques in the gray matter.

More research is needed, but it seems that Ginkgo biloba can help the brain protect  against degenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. It can improve neuron plasticity and improve memory.

Ginkgo biloba as a supplement

If you have certain health problems, you can see if Ginkgo biloba can help. But it is also a wonderful supplement to take, which can help prevent complaints. Usually Ginkgo biloba is well tolerated. The blood vessel dilating effect can cause headaches for the first few days and sometimes stomach or intestinal complaints occur. These will disappear as your body gets used to the supplement.

Try Ginkgo biloba itself with the tea from Indian Elements. Drink the tea before going to sleep if you want to benefit from the relaxing effect (also suitable for anxiety and stress). If you need improved concentration and an optimally functioning memory, take a cup of tea in the morning and once or twice during the day.