|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department
>
Supplement Articles
> Borage Oil |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
BORAGE OIL
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Optimizes hormone levels in
both men and women ... |
|
borage oil |
|
|
|
Borage contains
omega 6 essential
fatty acids which
are ideal for
cholesterol support |
|
|
Borage oil contains
gamma-linolenic
acid, an omega 6
essential fatty
acid. “Essential”
means that the body
does not produce the
fatty acids on its
own and therefore
they must be taken
in through the
diet. Your body
uses GLA to produce
hormone-like
substances (eicosanoids)
that support
cardiovascular
health. GLA also
helps maintain
cholesterol levels
because healthy fats
build HDL
cholesterol. |
HDL
cholesterol is
responsible for
moving fat, from
storage or plaques,
into the liver where
processing and
excretion of fat
occurs. By
decreasing fatty
build-up on arteries
it helps to regulate
blood pressure.
GLA reduces the
production of an
inflammatory
compound called
arachidonic acid.
Arachidonic acid
causes pain and
inflammation in
conditions such as
arthritis.
GLA helps to make
the sheath (myelin)
that surrounds the
nerves that conduct
messages from the
brain to the muscles
and organs of your
body, performing a
similar function to
the insulation
sheathing of
electrical wires.
If this protective
sheath degenerates
(as in MS), a
"shorting out" of
the message that the
nerve is carrying
occurs. Since
healthy fats play a
large role in
hormone formation,
borage oil can thus
help optimize
hormone levels in
both men and women.
GLA supplements are
used to treat
atherosclerosis,
high cholesterol,
arthritis, attention
deficit/hyperactivity
disorder, PMS,
menopausal
discomforts,
multiple sclerosis
and liver cirrhosis.
Borage seed oil
contains a
significantly higher
concentration of GLA
than other GLA
supplements. Ensure
your borage
supplement is not
processed with heat
because it damages
the acids and
creates free
radicals. Some
of the damaged fats
turn into
trans-fatty acids,
which are well known
for their promotion
of cardiovascular
disease.
Refrigerate all
liquid borage
supplements and keep
capsules away from
heat because they
can become rancid. |
Borage oil –
QUICK FACTS
|
FOOD SOURCES
|
·
Borage. |
|
DEFICIENCY
SYMPTOMS |
·
Dry hair and
skin,
eczema,
learning
disorders,
high
cholesterol,
hypertension,
constipation,
arthritis,
hormonal
imbalances.
|
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
|
·
To receive
100-300mg of
GLA daily.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
|
·
Other
essential
fatty acids,
vitamin A,
vitamin D,
vitamin E,
vitamin K,
zinc. |
|
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Fatty acids
are best
absorbed
with a fatty
meal.
·
Those with
an inability
to absorb
fats should
take an
enzyme
complex to
facilitate
the intake
of EFAs.
·
Use caution
when taking
EFAs while
using blood
thinning
medication. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|