• 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

    11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

    Ginkgo biloba, a plant known for its medicinal properties, is widely recognized in countries like Japan and Korea. This ancient tree, also called the maidenhair tree, belongs to the division Ginkgophyta. Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning they have separate male and female trees. While ginkgo biloba is classified as a food, it is also commonly used in beverages.

    Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba Nutritional Information

    Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are renowned for their rich vitamin content, but they also contain other beneficial substances. According to World Population Food, a 28.4-gram serving of ginkgo biloba contains:

    • 52 calories
    • 5 grams of total fat
    • 1 gram of saturated fat
    • 2 grams of polyunsaturated fat
    • 2 grams of monounsaturated fat
    • 2 mg of sodium
    • 145 mg of potassium
    • 11 grams of total carbohydrates
    • 2 grams of protein
    • 3% of daily Vitamin A
    • 7% of daily Vitamin C
    • 1% of daily Iron
    • 5% of daily Vitamin B-6
    • 2% of daily magnesium

    Ginseng, another well-known herb, is the root of plants from the Panax genus, characterized by the presence of ginsenosides and gintonin. Ginsenosides are steroid glycosides unique to ginseng, while gintonin is a protein fraction found only in this plant. Per 28.4 grams, ginseng contains:

    • 4 calories
    • 5 grams of total carbohydrates
    • 6 grams of dietary fiber
    • 5 grams of sugar
    • 5 grams of protein
    • 4 mg of Vitamin C
    • 1 mg of Vitamin E
    • 2 mg of Niacin
    • 1 mcg of folate
    • 1 mg of pantothenic acid
    • 1 mg of choline
    • 2 grams of total fat
    • 1 gram of saturated fat
    • 5 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids
    • 6 mg of total omega-6 fatty acids
    • 5 mg of calcium
    • 2 mg of Iron
    • 12 mg of magnesium
    • 5 mg of phosphorus
    • 116 mg of potassium
    • 6 mg of sodium
    • 1 mg of zinc
    • 1 mg of copper
    • 1 mg of manganese
    • 2 mcg of selenium
    • 2 mg of polyosterol
    • 1 gram of water
    • 2 grams of ash

    Given the abundance of beneficial substances in ginseng and ginkgo biloba, their health benefits are numerous.

    11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

    Let’s explore the various health benefits of ginseng and ginkgo biloba, including their nutritional properties, precautions, and recommendations for use.

    1. Improves Brain Function
      Brain health is crucial, yet damage can occur unnoticed. Conditions like Alzheimer’s and memory loss indicate severe brain deterioration. Ginseng and ginkgo biloba, when combined, can help treat ADHD and improve cognitive function by aiding in attention and impulse control.
    2. Reduces Stress
      Ginseng has anti-stress properties, providing a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps reduce stress levels.
    3. Cures Erectile Dysfunction
      Erectile dysfunction, characterized by the inability to maintain an erection during sexual activity, can be treated with ginseng and ginkgo biloba. These herbs stimulate sexual desire and enhance sexual performance.
    4. Improves Lung Function
      Ginseng and ginkgo biloba help reduce lung bacteria, clear the lungs, and improve digestion.
    5. Immune System Booster
      These herbs boost the immune system by improving cell function, helping the body resist and fight diseases. American ginseng, in particular, increases white blood cell count, enhancing the body’s ability to fight infections.
    6. Relieves Menopause Symptoms
      Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are beneficial for women, especially in alleviating menopause symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, insomnia, weight gain, and hair thinning.
    7. Improves Heart Function
      Ginseng and ginkgo biloba support heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and promoting the growth of HDL (good cholesterol).

    Additional health benefits of ginseng and ginkgo biloba include their anti-inflammatory properties, weight loss support, blood sugar regulation, and cancer prevention.

    Cautions in Using Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba

    While beneficial, ginseng and ginkgo biloba can stimulate the nervous system, potentially causing insomnia, headaches, dizziness, and stomachaches with prolonged use. Women may experience menstrual changes, and their use is not recommended for children, pregnant women, or breastfeeding mothers. Diabetic patients should consult a doctor before consuming these herbs, as they can affect blood circulation and sugar levels, possibly interfering with other medications.