Health Benefits and Side Effects of Ginkgo Biloba

Posted by BioPharma Scientific, LLC on November 26th, 2019

A large and sturdy tree that reaches more than 150 feet, ginkgo biloba is one of the most prominent ingredients of many traditional medicines. It's native to China, where it can be seen naturally growing in water-rich environments, like stream banks, hillsides, and swamps.

Today, it's cultivated in almost every part of the world because it possesses a lot of extraordinary healing properties and can be used in treating many types of diseases. It has numerous health benefits, like the ones listed below.

Contains High Levels of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances necessary for preventing cells from getting damaged. They fight "free radicals," which are molecules produced by the body in reaction to environmental and psychological pressures.

Ginkgo biloba is found to be rich in different types of antioxidants, like flavonoids and terpenoids. Both of them can hasten a person's metabolic functions, like converting food to energy. These substances can also slow down the aging process since they can repair damaged tissues and cells.

Reduces the Effects of Glaucoma

One of the leading causes of blindness among adults over 60, glaucoma is characterized by severely damaged optic nerves. It has no known symptoms, and it can only be detected through regular eye checkups. Those who have this condition can take ginkgo biloba every day to prevent themselves from completely losing their vision.

Ginkgo biloba can help increase the blood flow in the eyes. It's essential to keep the optic nerves strong and avoid any kind of damage.

Fights Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are caused by an inflammatory reaction of the body's immune system. As a result, tissues and cells get damaged even without the introduction of foreign organisms, like bacteria and viruses. Among their most common examples are arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, psoriasis, and several types of cardiovascular ailments.

All of them can be prevented by taking ginkgo biloba. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that are highly needed to fight most types of autoimmune diseases.

Are There Side Effects?

While it has numerous remarkable health benefits, it still has a few side effects. Some people who consumed it reported experiencing nausea, diarrhea, minor headaches, skin rashes, palpitations, and stomach pain. It can also trigger certain types of allergic reactions, especially to first-time takers. Doctors also discourage ingesting unprocessed ginkgo biloba seeds and leaves because they cause seizures.

Because of these risks, it's best to consult your doctor first before you purchase a greens supplement that contains ginkgo biloba. This ensures that you're reaping all its health benefits and also protecting yourself from experiencing its side effects.