I love a
good green juice and enjoy taking healthy “shots” but when it comes to vitamins
you may be surprised to know I take relatively few. If I can get a nutrient via
food in a reasonable manner, that’s what I prefer. Some nutrients are difficult
to get via diet and that’s why Evening Primrose Oil is one of my dailies.
Evening Primrose
Oil contains a few types of fat, the one it is known for is GLA (black currant seed and borage are
in the same category) It’s a good (anti-inflammatory) omega 6, I know, I know
it’s confusing. The important thing to note is that in many people the
conversion to GLA is lower than others
Evening
primrose is used for:
Skin: for
conditions such as eczema and psoriasis but also for dry, itchy skin.
Interestingly GLAs are found in breast milk and it’s been suggested that infant
eczema seen after switching to formula may be because it lacks GLAs (please
don’t ask me about EPO and infants).
Hair and
nail health: EPO can slow hair loss (more so in women for some reason) and
improve hair texture.
PMS symptoms-
women with PMS symptoms often have imbalance of fatty acids and low (or
undetectable) levels of GLAs.
Weight- in
addition to GLA, Evening primrose oil (EPO) also has type of fat (linoleic) found in safflower sunflower seeds that is
linked to body fat loss.
I take the
capsules from Barleans (1300mg total) 2/day but for serious skin conditions
it’s suggested to double this amount.
These are organic EPO which isn’t easy to find. It’s suggested to take
EPO (and most supplements) with food. Be patient though, it can take 8 weeks to
really see a difference although I have to say in my first month taking EPO I
noticed dry skin (backs of arms) and hormonal symptoms (pain/cramps) better. I
think some studies that have concluded EPO wasn’t effective simply because the study
duration wasn’t long enough. You can get GLAS from a couple of foods such as
oats and spirulina…while spirulina in in my cabinet; it’s hard to consume
enough. I don't know if everyone should rush out and start EPO but if one or more of the items listed above (skin, PMS) need addressing it's worth a try and can make a big difference.
Have you heard of EPO? Do you take vitamins? What are your dailies?
ok leaving the office to go get this for every reason listed... the new supersupp! i am on a b-max, sibu, omega 3, D drops kick right now... but off my game since traveling and totally feeling it. Time to "spice" or prim it up.
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren , it sounds like it's good for Psoriatic Arthritis ?
ReplyDeleteFor the hair health alone I think I should start taking this. Will definitely look for this next time I'm at the store.
ReplyDeleteI think it's one of those supplements that once you try it feel better in a multitude of ways. Let me know what you think Lisa.
ReplyDeletemore evidence with RA (rheumatoid) but then again beneficial for psoriasis so it's interesting Ayala.
ReplyDeletetotally don't have PMS for the most part since taking, spice it up/prim it up.
ReplyDeleteI get a lot of hormone-related migraines (definitely a PMS symptom although I don't have other symptoms usually). So I wonder if this could help with that. The only supplement I take currently is vitamin D, because my Dr told me that my levels were low - common here in the northeast I guess. Sounds worth it for better hair!
ReplyDelete