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So you’re ready to improve your health with supplements.
The good news is there’s plenty of helpful supplements that’ll do the job.
Two decent options that you may’ve heard of are Ginkgo Biloba and Turmeric. I’m here to help you pick which one is right for you.
In my ever growing Supplement Comparison Series, I take 2 supplements and compare them on their pros, cons, price and more. Hopefully, by the end of each article, you’ll have a better idea of which one to take.
In this post, we’ll take a gander at Ginkgo Biloba vs Turmeric.
Let’s begin.
What is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is a herb that’s used to treat various conditions and boost cognitive function.
Although the leaf of the herb is most often used in supplements, the seeds are sometimes used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for healing purposes.
Many of the health benefits that Ginkgo Biloba has to offer are credited to compounds known as flavonoids.
What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a tall plant that grows predominantly in Asia.
Also known as the golden spice, Turmeric is one of the most potent, mood boosting, health promoting ingredients that almost everyone should be using.
Everyday Turmeric that you see in the supermarket is made from the plant’s roots, and it’s this form that’s used in curry powder.
Benefits
Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba may improve Dementia symptoms
According to research, Ginkgo Biloba may help slow down the rate of mental decline in Dementia sufferers.
For example, a review of 4 studies found that Ginkgo Biloba supplementation for 22 – 24 weeks significantly improved Dementia symptoms.
Also, Ginkgo Biloba may help improve cognitive function in Alzheimer’s sufferers. (Source)
Ginkgo Biloba may help lower anxiety
Question time…
How many people in the United States suffer from Anxiety?
- (a) 400,000
- (b) 4,000,000
- (c) 40,000,000
If you guessed C, you’re correct.
Shocking, right?
Well the good news is that Ginkgo Biloba may be an effective supplement for anxiety.
In a study of 107 anxiety sufferers, some took 480mg of Ginkgo Biloba, some took 240mg of Ginkgo Biloba and the rest took a placebo.
Interestingly, those who took 480mg of Ginkgo Biloba had a 45% bigger reduction in anxiety than those who took a placebo.
(Related reading: Are Cold Showers For Anxiety?)
Ginkgo Biloba is rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants are powerful molecules that can neutralize free radicals.
These are “naughty” electrons that can induce oxidative stress, which is believed to play a key role in age-related diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Ginkgo Biloba is loaded with many antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids.
Ginkgo Biloba may help improve PMS symptoms
In the weeks leading up to her period, a woman may face a variety of frustrating symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Acne breakouts
These symptoms are collectively known as PMS symptoms, and they may be tamed by Ginkgo Biloba.
In one study, Ginkgo Biloba helped reduce PMS symptoms by 23%.
Benefits of Turmeric
Turmeric may help reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation is the type of inflammation that accumulates over time when you live an unhealthy lifestyle.
You want to avoid this like type of inflammation like the plague as it’s been linked with the following serious conditions:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Alzheimer’s
- Heart disease
Turmeric is loaded with many anti-inflammatory compounds, like Curcumin.
And according to research, its anti-inflammatory effects are similar to those of an anti-inflammatory drug.
(Related reading: 3 Best Fish Oil Supplements For Inflammation)
Turmeric may help boost brain function
Exciting new research shows that neurons can multiply and even increase in numbers in certain parts of the brain.
A major player in this fascinating phenomenon is a hormone called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Well interestingly, Curcumin, our favorite anti-inflammatory compound has been shown to boost levels of BDNF in the brain, which my boost cognitive function. (Source)
Turmeric may help lower oxidative stress
Like Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric contains antioxidants which may help reduce oxidative stress.
For example, Curcumin acts as a powerful antioxidant thanks to its unique chemical structure. (Source)
Better yet, Curcumin seems to boost your body’s own antioxidant capabilities. (Source)
Cost
Ginkgo Biloba Cost
Ginkgo Biloba is normally sold in capsules or as a liquid extract.
Here are some typical prices for these:
- Capsules: $11 for 120
- Liquid extract: $14 for 2 Oz
Turmeric Cost
Turmeric is usually sold in capsules.
For a medium-priced supplement, you can expect to pay around 20 bucks for 120 capsules.
Side Effects
Ginkgo Biloba Side Effects
Most healthy adults can tolerate Ginkgo Biloba supplements with little trouble, but the following side effects have been reported in some instances:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Upset stomach
The following people SHOULD NOT take Ginkgo Biloba as it may cause adverse reactions:
- People taking NSAIDS
- People taking blood thinners
- People taking antidepressants
- People allergic to plants which contain Alkylphenols
Turmeric Side Effects
Like Ginkgo Biloba, most people can supplement with Turmeric with very few problems.
But some people may experience nausea, dizziness or upset stomach.
Recommendations
My Ginkgo Biloba Recommendation: NOW Ginkgo Biloba
Overview
High quality? Yep.
High strength? Mhmm.
Top supplement brand? You betcha.
NOW Ginkgo Biloba ticks all the boxes.
What I like about it
A quick skim through the reviews show that this is an effective Ginkgo Biloba supplement that many people have used and seen great results with.
And with each capsule containing 120mg of Ginkgo Biloba, this is one of the most potent Ginkgo Biloba supplements on the market.
Also, NOW are one of the most reliable supplement companies in the world.
I’ve used many of their epic products in the past, including their Zinc Picolinate, and can only say positive things about them.
Potential Drawbacks
A few users have reported stomach pains after taking this product.
Check price and read more reviews of NOW Ginkgo Biloba on Amazon.
My Turmeric Recommendation: Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric
Overview
A fair priced, high strength Turmeric supplement that’s ultra-effective thanks to its high absorbability.
Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric is the real deal.
What I like about it
I love that this supplement’s had extra Curcumin added to it.
Why?
Well as we seen earlier, a lot of Turmeric’s health benefits are credited to this miracle compound.
Also, it’s great to see that this Turmeric’s mixed with Bioperine.
Apparently, Turmeric with Bioperine added is absorbed up to 2000x better than regular Turmeric!
The reviews are awesome too which shows that lots of people trust this supplement.
Potential Drawbacks
Some users have reported an odd feeling of warmness after taking this supplement.
Check price and read more reviews of Nature’s Nutrition Turmeric on Amazon.
The Verdict
Well, I hope you’ve found some value in this Ginkgo Biloba vs Turmeric showdown!
If I’ve done my job correctly, you should have a pretty good idea of which of the 2 you’re going to take.
But if you’re on the fence, then here’s how I’d decide:
You might prefer Ginkgo Biloba if:
- You suffer from anxiety
- You want to reduce Dementia symptoms
- You experience those annoying PMS symptoms
You might prefer Turmeric if:
- You want to lower inflammation
- You want to boost your mental function
Hope this helped!
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