EPO is a rich source of the long-chain fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The health benefits of EPO are attributed to GLA. GLA is an unusual constituent of living matter and is found in very few plants. These include, in addition to evening primrose, black currant, borage and hemp. GLA content in EPO ranges from approximately 7 to 14%. Typical EPO supplements contain about 9% and 10% GLA.
Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), a member of the Boraginaceae family. Borage oil, also known as starflower oil and borage seed oil, is a rich source of the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
Borage oil contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator. Linoleic acid, a common fatty acid found in nuts and seeds and most vegetable oils (including borage oil), should theoretically convert to PGE1. Many things can interfere with this conversion, however, including disease; the aging process; saturated fat; hydrogenated oils; blood sugar problems; and inadequate vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. Supplements that provide GLA circumvent these conversion problems, leading to more predictable formation of PGE1.2
Perilla Seed Oil is a clear, golden yellow drying oil known to have antiseptic properties which makes this a good oil for facial products. The seed, which is cold pressed, produces an oil rich in vitamins and amino acids and 50-60% of the oil is Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA) which is an Omega-3 fatty acid. The high ALA content helps the skin and hair retain moisture; the Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids which are found in vegetable and oily fish oils, are classified as Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) and can aid in the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema and psoriasis.
Flaxseed oil is obtained from the seeds of the flax plant. When it is processed, the oil is first cold pressed from the seeds, which provides an edible oil for use with foods. The seeds are then hot pressed to produce an industrial oil and solvent, known as linseed oil, which is not edible. Flaxseed oil has a smooth, buttery flavor, which makes it ideal as a salad oil or as an addition to cooked vegetables. Since it has a very high level of omega-3 fatty acid (a polyunsaturated fat considered of value in reducing potential stroke and heart disease problems), flaxseed oil is most often used as a nutritional supplement rather than for cooking.
