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Borage Oil & Weight Loss

Borage oil comes from the seeds of the borage plant that can be found growing in the wild throughout North America and Europe. The oil from the seeds contains the nutrient gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and is sometimes marketed as Starflower oil. The body naturally produces it, but some scientific studies have found that consumption of GLA in gel caplet form helps reduce inflammation in the body. Some believe that inflammation is a main component in weight gain and that consumption of borage oil can therefore lead to weight loss.

  1. How It Works

    • Borage oil can be purchased from vitamin or health food stores and comes in gel tablets. GLA can also be found in most nuts and seeds, but it comes in a much higher concentrated form in borage oil. The 1.1g to 2.8g of pills per day are consumed for at least three months and will greatly reduce inflammation all over the body. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can also take borage oil to help with the symptoms of that disease.

      Some theories of obesity point out that due to the storage of excess fat tissues in the body, inflammation can build up throughout the joints. Some believe that taking an anti-inflammatory such as borage oil can reduce obesity and help people lose weight. There are no current scientific studies to back up these claims on weight loss.

      Some people who lack sufficient fat intake in their diet can also take borage oil, as it is a healthy fat that has positive effects on the body compared with saturated fats from animal byproducts.

    Side effects

    • Because GLA is already naturally found in the body, taking borage oil does not product side effects that are very harmful. Some of the side effects are bloating, nausea, indigestion and headache. Also, borage oil contains a small amount of the liver toxin pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). However, all scientific testing has shown that the small amounts of PA in borage oil is not significant enough to be harmful to a healthy adult body.

    Obtaining Borage Oil

    • Borage oil can be found online or in stores that sell vitamins. Bottles of capsules are available for $6 to $20. Borage oil is typically taken with flaxseed oil, another supplement that many believe helps in weight loss. The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing claims that some manufacturers are making regarding borage and weight loss.

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