Thursday, August 20, 2009

Gingko Biloba

Gingko is one of the most ancient trees ever discovered and it is a widely studied plant. It is used as an extract called the Gingko Biloba Extract or GBE and they are very popular in the United States and Europe. It has been used to help treat memory problems and circulation problems. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain.

Gingko contains 2 important antioxidant chemicals called flavonoids and terpenoids. These substances help to fight free radicals which reduce your chances of getting cancer and also premature aging. Free radicals are also believed to contribute towards heart disease and dementia like Alzheimer’s disease.

The Gingko biloba tree is one of the oldest trees living today. They can often survive for over a thousand years. The leaves are what are used to produce the extract that is used for many health purposes. The terpenoids in the gingko extract have been reported to improve blood flow by causing the blood platelets to move more freely among themselves and not stick to each other.

Europeans use gingko for treating mental problems like dementia. The improved blood flow to the brain is what is believed to be effective at treating this illness. Also people with Alzheimer’s disease may benefit from Gingko as it has been shown to improve memory, learning, social behavior and helps to combat depression.

Gingko could also be effective at helping to reduce eye problems. It is the flavonoids in gingko that are believed to be effective at treating many eye problems. Several studies seem to show that gingko may help those with age related macular degeneration which is responsible for causing blindness in most people in the United States.

Gingko is also believed to be useful at treating intermittent claudication which is pain that is caused by poor blood flow to the legs. Gingko’s ability to improve blood flow is the reason it could be effective at treating this condition. It has been shown in studies to be quite effective at treating this ailment. Only exercise has been shown to be more effective.

It is also added many times in nutrition bars and fruit smoothies to help with improved brain function. Gingko helps to improve your ability to remember things more easily. Other studies have found that gingko could be useful in helping to reduce the side effects of menopause. It has also been shown to be effective at helping people with multiple sclerosis(MS). It increased coordination, energy levels and mental performance of those suffering with MS.
Gingko is available in many different forms including standardized extracts, tablets, capsules, dried leaves that are used for teas and liquid extracts. Children under the age of 12 are not recommended to take gingko. Adults should take gingko for at least five to six weeks to see any noticeable results. When taking gingko you need to be aware of any other supplements or drugs you may be taking and make sure you consult with a qualified health professional to ensure there will be no negative side effects.

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