Evening Primrose Oil Overview

There are many ways to improve your heart's health, Evening Primrose Oil proves that it is a major contender for essential fatty acids.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is an extract of the Evening Primrose flower. Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) contains Gamma Linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid that gets converted into a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1. Evening Primrose Oil is a tiny, short-lived, bright yellow wildflower native to North America. After discovering this New World plant, the Europeans took it back to the Old World where its healing properties for skin diseases and flesh wounds quickly earned it the name "King's Cure-All."

Currently, Evening Primrose Oil is now grown in 30 or more countries, and the oil pressed from it's seed is marketed as a valuable natural healing supplement. It is especially well documented for supporting skin health in cases of eczema and dermatitis. But other benefits include relief of premenstrual syndrome and arthritis related joint pain.

Evening Primrose Oil is an oil rich in essential fatty acids polyunsaturated fats that are as essential as vitamins and minerals for the maintenance of good health. The oil contains 74 percent Linolenic acid (LA) and 8-10 percent gamma Linolenic acid (GLA). Although other oils such as borage oil and black currant oil contain higher amounts of GLA, Evening Primrose Oil is by far the most popular and familiar source of this fatty acid. Evening Primrose Oil also contains 11 percent Oleic acid, 6 percent Palmitic acid, and 2 percent Stearic acid.

Evening Primrose Oil provides your body with a rich source of gamma Linolenic acid (GLA), an omega 6 fatty acid that supports the body's cardiovascular, nervous, immune and reproductive systems. The GLA contained in Evening Primrose Oil is a nutrient used by the body to maintain healthy cells and vital body functions. Evening Primrose Oil enhances the health and strength of cell membranes throughout the body, and promotes a proper inflammation response. Evening Primrose Oil is also used by the body to maintain healthy hormone levels. Today, we know that the oil from the seeds of evening primrose contains a high amount of the active ingredient, gamma- Linolenic acid (GLA), an oil quite similar to other essential fatty acids (EFA) of the omega-6 variety. In fact, Evening Primrose Oil is one of the few substances found in nature that contains significant amounts of GLA.

Essential Fatty acids are critical in the production of prostaglandin, which help regulate many important body systems. Modern diets and lifestyles may block the conversion of the essential fatty acid LA into GLA. Evening Primrose Oil is a direct, natural source of these two nutrients. It was only as recently as the 1970's that researchers discovered among it's potential therapeutic benefits, GLA aids the body's formation of important prostaglandin, the molecules that act as vital cell regulators, known as PGE1 that moderate inflammatory processes. Series 1 prostaglandin PGE1 helps in maintaining the balance of many functions in the body. GLA and LA support the immune system, help maintain healthy skin, and help maintain healthy circulation. These essential nutrients are incorporated into our cell membranes, where they help to maintain fluidity and permeability. It is these dense stores of GLA that make Evening Primrose Oil so valuable. These hormone like compounds help regulate body functions as well as controlling inflammation. Cell membranes as well rely on GLA.

It was often used for stomach and liver complaints, coughs and female disorders. Even the roots were eaten as a vegetable. The seeds were recommended as a coffee substitute in wartime and have a strong flavor similar to poppy seed oil. The therapeutic value of the seed oil is a more recent discovery. It is this seed oil, and its essential fatty acid content, that holds the most interest today in maintaining health and preventing disease.