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Evening Primrose Oil has long been known to
herbalists for its beneficial medicinal properties. It is rich in the Omega 6
series of Essential Fatty Acids.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA'S) and their connection to Evening Primrose Oil:
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) are vitamin-like substances which can't be
manufactured by the body and therefore need to be provided in the diet.
They are vital components of all membrane structures in the body and are
also involved in the production of prostaglandins. One of the most
important EFA's involved in beneficial prostaglandin production is
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA).
The importance of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA):
Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) is normally produced in the body from
Linoleic Acid (LA), another Essential Fatty Acid. However, because of
consumption of overly processed foods, saturated fats, too much
alcohol and the aging process, most of us are deficient in the ability to
convert Linoleic Acid into GLA, thereby seriously inhibiting the
production of one of the important series of prostaglandins, PGE1.
Prostaglandins (PG's) are hormones involved in the second-by-second
regulation of organ function. There are approximately 30
Prostaglandins, each highly specific in its function.
The GLA formed in the body is eventually converted into
Dihomogammalinolenic acid (DGLA), which in turn is converted into the
very important Prostaglandin E1 that supports skin and nerve health and
helps reduce symptoms associated with PMS.
Known causes of inadequate GLA formation include:
- Diets rich in saturated fats
- Diets rich in processed vegetable oils that contain unusable kinds of fatty acids (trans fatty acids)
- Moderate to high consumption of alcohol
- Aging
- A deficiency of zinc, magnesium and Vitamin B6
Suggested Use: Take 2 softgel capsules daily, one half hour before a meal.
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