The Effect of Ginkgo Biloba on Longevity

If you or a loved one are 65 or older, you might be interested in hearing about a French study which revealed that older people who take ginkgo biloba may live longer.

Dr. Jean-Francois Dartigues at the University of Bordeaux followed a group of 3,534 men and women 65 and older for a period of 13 years. At the start of the study, which was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, six percent of the participants were taking a ginkgo biloba extract supplement. And those who took the supplement were 24 percent less likely to die during the 13-year period than those who did not take it.

While taking ginkgo isn’t certain to help you live longer, there are other reasons to give it a try. For instance, gingko acts as a blood thinner, which helps improve circulation. It also has many beneficial flavonoids - a group of immune-boosting antioxidants. And it has been shown to help improve brain function.

Taking 20 mg or 60 mg of gingko biloba extract with breakfast a few times a week could make your mind and body healthier.

[Ed. Note: Ray Sahelian, M.D., the author of Mind Boosters, is internationally recognized as a moderate voice in the evaluation of natural supplements. Visit Dr. Sahelian’s website at www.RaySahelian.com, and read more of his articles about the supplements you should and shouldn’t be taking at ETR’s new natural health e-letter.]