|
Directions: As a
dietary supplement, take two soft gel capsules daily.
Supplement Facts
Serving size: 2 capsules Amount Per % Daily
Serving Per Container: 45
Serving Value* |
|
Calories |
10 |
|
|
Calories from Fat |
10 |
|
Total Fat:
Evening Primrose
Oil
(Oenothera biennis) |
1g
|
2%*
|
|
Polyunsaturated Fat |
0.5g |
† |
*
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000
calorie diet
†
Daily Value not established |
Other Ingredients:
Gelatin, Glycerin
No Sugar, No Starch, No
Artificial Colors, No Artificial Flavors, No Preservatives, Sodium Free, No
Wheat, No Gluten,
No Corn, No Soy, No Dairy, Yeast Free
Storage Instructions: Store in a cool, dry place.
Warning: Keep
out of reach of children.
Read about all
health benefits
Taken internally, the body converts GLA into
prostaglandins. These hormone-like compounds help regulate various body
functions, controlling inflammation in some cases and promoting it in
others. The prostaglandins produced from GLA fall into the anti-inflammatory
category. Cell membranes also rely on the presence of GLA.
Relieve the discomforts of PMS (premenstrual
syndrome), menstruation, endometriosis and fibrocystic breasts. By
interfering with the production of inflammatory prostaglandins released
during menstruation, the GLA in evening primrose oil can help to lessen
menstrual cramps. It may also minimize premenstrual breast tenderness,
irritable bowel flare-ups, and carbohydrate cravings, and help to control
endometriosis-associated inflammation.
Many PMS sufferers are found to have
unusually low levels of GLA in their systems, which is why supplements might
help so much. Although the oil has not been widely used in this country for
treating PMS, Europeans have long used it for this condition. In women with
fibrocystic breasts, the oil's essential fatty acids can minimize breast
inflammation and promote the absorption of iodine, a mineral that can be
present in abnormally low levels in women with this condition.
Ease the joint pain and swelling of
rheumatoid arthritis. Supplementation with evening primrose oil and
other sources of GLA has been shown to lessen the joint pain and swelling of
this crippling disease. A six-month study reported fewer signs of
inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers taking capsules containing
GLA than in those taking a placebo. In another trial, the number of tender
joints and swollen joints dropped significantly with GLA but not with a
placebo. Prevent diabetes-associated
nerve damage. Research indicates that the GLA in evening primrose oil
can help prevent--and in some cases even reverse--the nerve damage
(neuropathy) so commonly seen with diabetes. In a year-long study, such
symptoms as numbness, tingling, and loss of sensation in participants with
mild diabetic neuropathy were less marked in those who took evening primrose
oil than in those who took a placebo.
Reduce the symptoms of eczema. In some cases, eczema develops when
the body has problems converting dietary fats into GLA. Getting supplemental
GLA from evening primrose oil may therefore be helpful. Some studies
indicate that this oil can outperform a placebo in relieving eczema-related
inflammation, as well as the itching, oozing, and flaking associated with
this condition. By taking GLA, eczema sufferers may tolerate reduced doses
of steroid creams and drugs--many of which cause unpleasant side effects.
Not all studies point to such benefits, however, and many conventional
doctors remain skeptical. Help treat
acne and rosacea. By working to dilute sebum, a thick oily substance
that is oversecreted in some people with acne, the essential fatty acids in
evening primrose oil may reduce the risk of pores becoming clogged and
lesions developing. The oil's EFAs help treat rosacea by reducing
inflammation, controlling cells' use of nutrients, and by producing
prostaglandins, which stimulate the contraction of blood vessels.
Alleviate inflammation associated with lupus.
Inflammation in the kidneys, joints, skin, and other areas of the body
caused by this condition may subside as a result of evening primrose oil's
anti-inflammatory actions. Taking the oil may lower elevated cholesterol
levels in those suffering from lupus as well.
Lessen numbness and tingling. By helping
to keep the myelin sheaths that cover nerve fibers healthy--and
communication between the brain and nerve cells functioning smoothly--the
essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may help to reduce or prevent
numbness and tingling in the feet, hands or legs.
Combat damage from multiple sclerosis.
The abundant supply of essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil may be
valuable in minimizing the inflammation associated with this progressive
nerve disorder. The fatty acids may also contribute to healthy nerve
development when taken over time. It is important to initiate supplement use
as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Treat Alzheimer's-related memory deficiencies. By boosting the
transmission of nerve impulses, evening primrose oil may be valuable in
treating this progressive brain disorder.
Protect against the effects of aging. As
the body ages, it loses its ability to convert dietary fats into GLA.
Because this essential fatty acid is involved in so many body processes,
taking evening primrose oil can help to compensate for any deficiencies in
GLA. Counter impotence and female
infertility. By promoting blood flow, the GLA in evening primrose oil
can help treat a primary cause of male impotence--compromised circulation
leading to impaired penile blood flow. The oil is often taken with vitamin C
and ginkgo biloba for this purpose. In addition, when the oil is taken long
term, GLA can help prevent blood vessel narrowing, often a consequence of
plaque buildup from high cholesterol. By improving uterine function, GLA may
also help those who are unable to conceive.
Nourish nails, scalp, and hair. The rich
stores of essential fatty acids in evening primrose oil not only prevent
nails from cracking but also help to keep them generally healthy. In
addition, the essential fatty acids nourish the scalp, making the supplement
potentially valuable in treating a variety of hair problems.
Prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms. GLA
prompts the brain to produce a specific type of prostaglandin called
prostaglandin E, which works to prevent withdrawal symptoms such as
depression and seizures by indirectly protecting the liver and nervous
system. |
