Taking ginkgo has a wide range of health benefits, from improved blood circulation to enhanced memory. Ginkgo biloba is a tree native to China and its leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The ginkgo leaves are rich in antioxidants and may help protect the body from toxins and free radicals. There is little scientific evidence available to support the use of ginkgo as a weight loss supplement. Diet and exercise are essential for weight loss. Taking ginkgo for its health benefits while adopting healthy eating habits and exercising on a regular basis may help you lose extra pounds.
Step 1
Talk to your physician before supplementing your diet with ginkgo. Ask about possible drug interactions, side effects or complications, especially if you are taking medication for the treatment of other conditions.
Step 2
Take a ginkgo supplement in tablet form by mouth with food. MayoClinic.com recommends 80 mg to 240 mg of ginkgo biloba split into two or three doses.
Step 3
Drink ginkgo tea if you are uncomfortable taking the supplement in pill form. Sip one cup of ginkgo tea with breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drink 3 to 6 milliliters per day, suggests MayoClinic.com.
Step 4
Adjust your eating habits to create a calorie deficit and encourage weight loss. Follow a diet that focuses on foods in their natural form such as fruits, eggs, fish, low-fat dairy, healthy fats such as coconut oil and olive oil, poultry, lean meats, whole grains and vegetables. Consuming natural foods helps keep you fuller longer, so you eat less.
Step 5
Engage in regular exercise burn calories and facilitate weight loss. Perform strength training workouts three days per week to increase lean muscle and boost metabolism. Participate in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking or biking, four to five days per week to improve cardiovascular health and burn fat.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult your physician before starting a new weight loss program.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Ginkgo
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginkgo Biloba
- MayoClinic.com: Eating and Exercise
- "Weight Training Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers; 2006



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