Is Ginkgo Biloba Keto?
No, standard Ginkgo Biloba supplements are often not keto-friendly. While the herb itself is plant-based and low in calories, the manufacturing process frequently uses high-glycemic fillers like maltodextrin. This hidden ingredient can spike your blood sugar and potentially knock you out of ketosis.
The Ingredient Breakdown
As a food scientist, I always look past the active ingredient to the 'excipients'—the binders and fillers that make up the bulk of the pill. For Ginkgo Biloba, the verdict depends entirely on this list. The specific product we analyzed contains Maltodextrin, which is the primary red flag for keto dieters.
Maltodextrin is a highly processed starch derived from corn, rice, or potatoes. It has a Glycemic Index (GI) higher than table sugar, meaning it causes a rapid insulin spike. On a keto diet, insulin is the enemy of fat burning; even a small amount can halt ketone production. Other ingredients like Calcium Carbonate and Stearic Acid are generally inert and safe, acting as anti-caking agents, but they don't negate the metabolic impact of the maltodextrin.
Nutritional Value
From a nutritional standpoint, Ginkgo Biloba extract itself is negligible in terms of macronutrients. You are taking it for terpene lactones and flavonoids, not for calories or protein. However, the dosage form matters. A standard capsule might contain only a few milligrams of active extract, but the fillers can add up to 500mg or more per pill.
If you are taking the standard recommended dose of 120mg to 240mg daily, you are likely consuming a small amount of maltodextrin. While this might not break your diet if you have a massive carb allowance, strict keto adherents (under 20g net carbs/day) should view this as an unnecessary risk. It adds 'empty' carbs that offer no nutritional benefit to your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ginkgo Biloba contain dairy or gluten?
Is Ginkgo Biloba good for weight loss?
Where can I buy Ginkgo Biloba?
Is Ginkgo Biloba safe for kids?
Ginkgo Biloba
Keto Analysis
We recommend searching for certified Keto alternatives.
Pro Tip
Always double-check the label. Manufacturers change ingredients frequently without notice!