Evening Primrose Oil

The previous posting referred to EFAs (essential fatty acids) found in fish oils and the benefits the body gains from them. This posting will continue that line of thinking as it discusses another product richly supplying essential fatty acids.

The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) content of evening primrose oil is the most active omega-6 fatty acid. It assists immune function, inflammatory conditions, brain function, nerve impulses, protects against heart and vascular disease, and increases metabolims in those with obesity.

Essential fatty acids are not made by the body, and therefore must be consumed in the diet. They are necessary for the production and balance of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which regulate all body systems and functions. A deficiency in EFAs can lead to a number of chronic disorders, such as allergies, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, and various other illnesses.

If you struggle with high blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular body temperature, low energy, skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, candida, asthma, hair and skin problems, hangovers or alcoholism, headaches, hyperactivity, inflammatory conditions, and others, then perhaps supplementing with essential fatty acids would be a benefit.

Specifically, GLA supplementation in diabetics has been shown to enhance nerve function and hyperactivity. It has been shown to increase metabolism which enhances weight reduction. It can help lower cholesterol and been used to provide relief to sufferers of circulatory problems.

*NOTE*
It is not recommended to take Evening Primrose Oil if suffering from epilepsy.

*Informational resource: Herb Allure, HART resource book for Natures Sunshine Products

Fish Oil

The word "fat" conjures up some pretty ugly mental images for most people, even when it is attached to words like essential. We hear that word and suddenly feel our blood pressure rise and our scale groan. It's sad that we associate such terrible things with the word "fat" because in reality, our bodies REQUIRE it. Fat actually serves as a protection to our vital organs and cells and it also insulates us from cold temperatures, which is another protection.
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are exactly that, ESSENTIAL. They are considered essential because they are necessary for health and cannot be produced by the body. We simply must consume them through our diet. You can get them through leafy green vegetables and flax seeds and chia seeds and some meats and eggs (providing the animals were fed well) and fish and some algae (these are Omega-3). You can get EFAs from safflower oil, sunflower oil, cereals and grains and some meats (these are Omega-6). But do we really eat enough of these things (unadulterated) to get the essential needs from them? Sadly, the standard American diet is lacking greatly in the amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 needed to avoid certain health difficulties, particularly inflammatory conditions like arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis, IBD, and PMS.
Consider your diet. Are you consuming equal amounts of Omega-3 and Omega-6? Do you have other factors that prohibit your absorption and utilization of these essential nutrients, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, age, vitamin deficiency? This where your consideration of supplementing with a fish oil comes in.
Researchers have found that fish oil supplementation greatly improves joint pain for many people, as well as supporting overall cardiovascular health. The presence of DHA also improves brain function.

So you've read through this information and thought to yourself "it sounds good, but I just really don't want to be burping up a fishy taste all day everyday!" I honestly don't blame you! ME EITHER! So if this is a concern to you, check out the product before you buy it. There are brands that incorporate an orange or lemon essence that improves that side effect dramatically, or even eliminates it totally. You also don't have to take it in a spoon. You can get it in gelatin capsules with an enteric coating that allows it break down once it has arrived in the right place, instead of breaking down early and sending yucky tastes back up the esophagus. See? We think like you!