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GINKGO: IMPROVES DEMENTIA AND CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH?


Ginkgo nut is a common ingredient used in popular Chinese desserts, such as orh nee (yam paste), cheng tng (sweet soup containing dried longan, barley, red dates and sago) and ginkgo barley soup. There are so many different ways on how to cook ginkgo nuts. These nuts are shaped like silver ingots and are believed to be a symbol of wealth by the Chinese.

Till today, it is used as a source of food and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is less common in the Western countries, but remains as a traditional favourite among the Asians. 

Perhaps most of us are more familiar with the term “Ginkgo biloba”. It actually refers to the ginkgo tree, also known as the maidenhair tree where the nuts are from. Ginkgo biloba offers a number of valuable health benefits from improving cardiovascular health to preservation of brain function.

Ginkgo in Chinese Medicine is believed to be beneficial to the circulatory system, respiratory system and for its antibacterial effects. It is also neutral in nature, therefore it has neither overly heaty nor cooling effects on the body. Due to the numerous gingko nuts benefits available to us, even friends from the western parts of the world are getting more interested in ginkgo biloba supplements.

Let us understand more about what the ginkgo biloba benefits are!

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High Antioxidant Levels

Ginkgo nuts contain an impressive amount of flavonoids and terpenoids which are compounds known for their strong antioxidant effects. Antioxidants counter free radicals produced by our body which damage healthy body tissues and cells. Free radicals are also thought to lower our body’s immune system and cause us to be vulnerable to different kinds of diseases like cancer. This is why we require antioxidants to protect our bodies.

While the body produces its own antioxidants, the amount is insignificant and will require supplementation from dietary sources. So if you are a lover of these delicious ginkgo biloba nuts, then you are in luck. The nutrients provided by the nuts come with strong anti-oxidising effects. 

Ginkgo Reduces Inflammation

Research has also shown that ginkgo has the ability to reduce inflammation caused by specific conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel disease, cancer, heart disease and stroke.T

his is believed to be due to the blood circulation promoting effects of ginkgo nuts. This property is also aligned with the ancient records of TCM, stating about this herb’s nature in boosting the flow of blood flow within the body.

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Ginkgo Improves Cardiovascular Health

As mentioned, ginkgo can increase blood flow by promoting the dilation of blood vessels. Therefore, it may be useful in the treatment of diseases related to poor circulation, in particular heart-related problems. Improvement in vascular health will be able to ensure a better prognosis for the heart patients.

Alleviates Symptoms of Psychiatric Disorders and Dementia

Several ginkgo studies have shown that it can help improve your brain such as memory problems caused by age-related conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It may also slow down the progression of dementia symptoms. However, there is no conclusive evidence that ginkgo is able to prevent the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Enhances Memory and Sharpens Thinking

Ginkgo supplements are widely used by healthy individuals to enhance brain function and memory. The mechanism in which ginkgo biloba helps memory is believed to be through better blood flow in the brain as well.

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Possible Side Effects of Ginkgo

Raw ginkgo nuts contain natural toxins and extra care must be taken to ensure that ginkgo is cooked thoroughly before consumption. Cooking can reduce the toxicity of ginkgo nuts but cannot eliminate the toxicity entirely. Hence it is important to limit intake to less than 10 cooked nuts at one time. Ginkgo acute poisoning can result in central nervous symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, convulsions or even death which typically appears 1 to 2 hours after ingestion.

On the other hand, ginkgo leaf supplements are generally safe to consume, though some people may encounter headache, dizziness, heart palpitations and nausea. Allergies to ginkgo may also trigger rashes. If you have a bleeding disorder or a planned surgery, it is not advisable to take ginkgo without seeking prior medical advice. Likewise, ginkgo should also be taken with caution if you are taking certain medicine on a regular basis.

Ginkgo is generally not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Those who are taking aspirin, are also advised not to consume ginkgo biloba supplements due to the similar functions of blood thinning.

Which Ginkgo supplement to consider? 

全连“活性银杏叶片” contain a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba. It supports two critical areas of concern for elderly: brain health and heart health. It is ideal for elderly people with poor memory, poor concentration and for those who wants to improve a healthy heart. Each tablet contains up to 2000mg of ginkgo leaf extract. So, start making a positive difference to your cardio and brain health today! 

Activated Gingko Tablet

Containing extract of Gingko biloba, this supplement is best for elderly to improve both the brain and heart health to help them age gracefully!

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