Category Archives: Omega 6

Borage Oil

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The Borage plant is an herb commonly used in cooking, home remedies, and naturopathic medicine. It is a native of Syria, but over time has established itself in other regions. Given the alternate name of Starflower, Borage is known for its beautiful and edible flowers. While blossoms may be white or pink, the blue Starflower is most common.

Throughout time, Borage has been celebrated for its uses in food preparation. Borage has a high popularity in European countries, particularly Germany. Often, the herb is an ingredient found in soups, salads, sauces, and drinks.

Both the aroma and taste of Borage are likened to that of a Cucumber. Leaves and flowers are most widely used, but stems are occasionally tossed into stews as a vegetable. Borage flowers are said to have a honey-like taste and are commonly candied then placed atop cakes for decoration.

Borage’s first known uses were culinary and naturopathic in nature. Believed to evoke feelings of contentment by the Romans and bravery by the Greeks, the herb’s leaves were ground down into a powder and mixed with wine. Borage’s cooling properties, fresh taste and healing abilities made it an ideal addition to any beverage or meal.

Today, Borage remains an exciting ingredient for chefs around the world, but its uses as a home remedy and dietary supplement are making it a household name.

Seeds of the Borage plant, when broken down, contain oil that is famed for its high levels of linoleic acid. This acid, once consumed, combines with other chemicals in the human body to produce a substance called GLA (gamma linolenic acid). The newly created GLA is then identified as Omega-6.

Omega-6 is a fatty acid required by the human body to function properly. It works in conjunction with its more infamous counterpart, Omega-3 to maintain essential body systems like brain function and cellular health.

Due to its Omega-6 capabilities, proponents of Borage oil claim that it has the power to treat and prevent many familiar ailments. Arthritis, eczema, and PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome) are the most common of these conditions, but Borage is considered effective for these illnesses as well:

  • High Blood Pressure
  • Cold symptoms such as cough and fever
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Menopause
  • Depression
  • Prevention of certain types of cancer

While naturopathic physicians and herbal healers stand firm in their recommendation for Borage oil, its medical validity has yet to be confirmed. Limited clinical studies have shown little or no evidence in support of claims that Borage oil is a viable treatment for these conditions.

This is not to say that Borage oil is ineffectual in the reduction of symptoms, as many can attest to the herbs benefits through personal experience. It is to say; however, that individuals who are interested in supplementing with the herb should first consult their physician.

Unwanted side effects and serious health issues can arise when any medicine is overly or improperly used. This is particularly important when taking supplements that are unproven and unregulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

Evening Primrose Oil

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Known also as “The Kings Cure-All”, Evening Primrose is a majestic plant. With lemon scented leaves and gorgeous yellow flowers, the Evening Primrose is as pretty as its name. While the whole plant is edible, it is the Primrose’s fruit seeds that hold its beauty. Within each seed, hides an abundance of nutrients that the human body needs, but cannot produce.

In the early 1930’s, science found that the oil of the Primrose plant contained high levels of linoleic acids. This acid is an ingredient necessary for proper human body functions. Once linoleic acid is ingested from the plant, the body uses it to create GLA, or gamma linolenic acid. The new GLA is then classified as an Omega-6.

While there is much talk centered on the miraculous nature of Omega-3’s, it is important to note that Omega-6 acts as its counterpart. For optimum health, both fatty acids must be present and in proper proportion to each other. Studies have shown that when levels of Omega-6 are much higher than that of Omega-3, serious health issues can arise.

In a recent article by the University of Maryland, it was noted that the majority of Western civilization has entirely way too much Omega-6 in their diet. It also declared that proportion discrepancies between Omega-3 and 6 were to blame for increased rates of heart disease and cancer.

When the ratio between the two fatty acids is correct, they combine to maintain a variety of functions within the body. Functions that are sustained by the mixture include:

  • Hair and skin growth
  • Reproductive systems
  • Metabolism
  • Healthy bones
  • Brain development

With the understanding that harmony must exist between the two fatty acids and that most individuals are unbalanced on the side of Omega-6, it begs the question: What need is there to use Evening Primrose oil?

The oil has only one verified medicinal use and that is even questioned. Evening Primrose is utilized in the treatment of symptoms associated with skin conditions such as eczema. It has been established that when taken by mouth, the oil can reduce itchiness of the skin.

In truth, several studies have shown there is conclusive evidence to suggest that Evening Primrose oil has any verifiable benefits other than its levels of Omega-6.

Among unconfirmed claims for the use of Evening Primrose oil is:

  • PMS (Pre-menstrual syndrome)
  • Bronchitis
  • Diabetes
  • Cancer
  • Arthritis

While tests show some possibility as to its uses, there is too little information to accurately assign Evening Primrose oil as quality dietary supplement.

Simply put, Evening Primrose has been marketed for years as an excellent source of nutrition and as an herbal alternative to modern medicine. Many unsuspecting consumers have bought into the idea that there is a pressing need for more Omega-6 in their diets.

With a little research it is easy to see that Evening Primrose, while lovely, serves no remarkable service in dietary nutrition. Its elements are easily found in everyday food sources such as turkey, chicken, and margarine. Most individuals have no need to supplement Omega-6 as they already have an excess within the body.