|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Borage Oil Health Benefits

Borage oil is a plant-derived nutritional supplement extracted from the seeds of the borage plant. It contains a large amount of gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Because of the high GLA content, the oil has many health benefits.

  1. Weight Loss

    • Borage oil is taken to help with weight loss. According to DietSpotlight.com, one theory is that borage oil helps to reduce inflammation which may be a cause of obesity.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    • According to evitamins.com, two double-blind studies provide evidence that borage oil reduces the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

    Eczema

    • According to a December 2003 study done at the University of Leicester, borage oil demonstrated an ability to reduce redness, inflammation, dryness and other problems associated with eczema.

    Seborrheic Dermatitis

    • Also according to the 2003 study mentioned above, the oil has been shown to reduce skin lesions in those suffering with seborrheic dermatitis.

    Elderly Skin Health

    • According to a March 2000 study entitled "Effect of borage oil consumption on fatty acid metabolism, transepidermal water loss and skin parameters in elderly people" in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, borage oil has been found to increase skin health and prevent skin illness, such as lesions, thrombosis and liver spots, in the elderly.

    Asthma

    • In a March 2004 study, doctors at the University of California at Davis School of Medicine found evidence that the GLA in borage oil may reduce some of the symptoms of severe asthma.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles