| Gamma Linolenic Acid GLA is the result
of the body's first biochemical step in the transformation of the main essential
fatty acid LA into important prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are essential to the
proper functioning of each cell, while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are
required for each cell's structure. Nature's most potent
concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%). A great deal of
scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in GLA, resulting
in significant interest regarding the aforementioned health ailments, as well as
those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema,
psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.
The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart
a regulatory function on the body's fatty acid metabolism. Fat metabolism is as
important, if not more critical, than our body's metabolism of proteins and
carbohydrates as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat related degenerative
diseases, such as vascular disease and strokes. Dietary essential fatty acids
common to borage seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like
substances known as prostaglandins, and are important for the regulation
of a host of bodily functions including:
o inflammation, swelling, & pain
o pressure in the eye, joints or blood vessels
o secretions from mucus membranes and their viscosity
o smooth muscle & autonomic reflexes, gastrointestinal, arterial, ear, heart
o water retention
o blood clotting ability
o allergic response
o rheumatoid arthritis
o nerve transmission
o steroid production & hormone synthesis
Scientists continue to discover regulating
effects of prostaglandins. Without the essential fatty acids, the building
blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are
problems in the regulation of the above listed bodily functions.
For some individuals, flax seed oil may offer only half of the solution. Those
deficient in co-factor nutrients, specifically the vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B2,
B6, pantothenic acid, B12, biotin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium,
potassium, sulfur, and zinc, sometimes have difficulty in converting the omega-6
fatty acid, linoleic acid, found in borage and other seed oils to the healthful
prostaglandins.
Still others are thought to lack the necessary enzyme (catalyst) to make this
conversion; particularly those affflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic
fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism and the aged. For those suffering from
co-factor deficiencies, a broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral may be
recommended with, perhaps, an oil supplement rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Individuals who may lack the proper enzyme system would require a GLA supplement
in addition to the flax seed oil. Nature's most potent concentration of GLA
comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%).
When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on either flax
or borage seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two.
The combination of both flax and borage seed oil yields a true Omega-Twin by
providing nature's best of the omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of
omega-6 fatty acids in GLA rich borage oil.
Supplementation with flax seed & borage seed oils makes good sense for the
following reasons:
1. Omega-3 fatty acids and GLA together on the production of beneficial prostaglandins.
2. Over 60 health problems have proven to benefit from both flax seed and
borage seed supplements.
3. Flax seed oil combined with borage seed oil work together for even
better results.
4. Flax seed and borage seed oils combined is less expensive than
purchasing them separately.
Conclusion :
The answer appears not to be no fat, but the right fat, as common to flax and
borage seed oils, to achieve optimal health.
Past and present scientific research supports the use of essential fatty acid
nutrients in promoting optimal health. Borage seed oil is recognized as nature's
richest source of GLA. These natural plant substances used alone have created a
great deal of interest in the treatment of numerous health problems. Evidence
exists to suggest the combination of omega-3 fatty acids with gamma-linolenic
acid (GLA) may further complement the therapeutic result of either fatty acid
used singularly.
Other Gamma Linolenic Acid Information:
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have reported that
high doses of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) were highly effective in treating
rheumatoid arthritis. An earlier study by the same group had shown that
administration of 1,100 mg. of GLA per day from borage seed oil reduced
synovitis in six of seven patients with rheumatoid arthritis. GLA is rapidly
converted to dihomogamma-linolenic acid, the immediate precursor of
prostaglandin E1 which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
Nature's most potent concentration (24%) of GLA comes in the form of borage seed
oil.
Other benefits of GLA include:
1.Vasodilation of blood vessels which can reduce high blood
pressure
2. Reduction of abnormal blood clotting to reduce risk of heart attack or stroke
3. Enhanced regulation of immune response
4. Enhanced defense against abnormal cell growth and may even reverse cancer
5. Elimination of common skin disorder such as eczema
6. Slowing of some aspects of normal aging
Gamma Linolenic Acid is also known as:
GLA, gamma-linolenic acid, gla
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