Borage Oil
Updated Dec. 05th, 2023 | Read Time: 2 Minutes | What You Will Learn:
- Top Health Benefits of Borage Oil
- HDL Cholesterol
- Nerve Functioning
- Hormone Function
- Borage Oil Supplement Considerations
- Cautions & Considerations
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.
Top Health Benefits of Borage Oil
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is responsible for moving fat, from storage or plaques, into the liver where processing and excretion of fat occurs. Decreasing fatty build-up in arteries 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.
Nerve Functioning
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.
Hormone Function
Since healthy fats play a large role in hormone formation, borage oil can help optimize hormone levels in both men and women.
GLA supplements are also used to help atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, arthritis, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, PMS, menopausal discomforts, multiple sclerosis and liver cirrhosis.
Borage Oil Supplement Considerations
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.
Cautions & Considerations
It's important to follow labelling directions on the supplement of your choice and to look for a high-quality supplement made from pure, potent ingredients that haven't been heated to high temperatures or refined. Refrigerate all liquid borage supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid speak to a knowledgeable team member at your favourite natural health store to ensure you're selecting a trustworthy brand.
I didn't know that borage oil was so beneficial, particularly of interest to me was how it can help with arthritis, hormone regulation and PMS symptoms. I have been looking for a natural supplement to help with PMS symptoms so will definitely be trying this to see if it helps at all. I am also interested to see how it will help with arthritis. Any suggestions on how long you should be taking this for to see any improvements?
Hello,
Borage is a great oil and contains the essential omega 6 fatty acid! We're glad you're able to learn about natural supplements that can support your health concerns with our articles; that's why we work so hard to provide this information. If you're looking for more ways to naturally support symptoms of PMS, check out this article too:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/pms/
Have a healthy day!
For quite awhile, my elbows felt rough to the touch. Then I read about Borage Oil and after taking it for a month or so, my elbows were soft! I continue to take it as I'm prone to eczema.
Hello, Marni,
That's great news! Thank you or sharing how borage oil helped heal dry skin. Oils are great to use on your skin because they lock in moisture and help soothe dry skin. If you want to learn more about dry skin and skin conditions, have a read through our skin health articles: https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/health-concerns/dry-skin-2/
Have a healthy day!