Evening primrose oil or EPO has been used for centuries both for food and for medicinal purposes. The oil, which is extracted from the mature seeds from its flower, has been used as a traditional salve to treat a wide range of medical conditions. These include skin problems, autoimmune diseases, ulcers, PMS, cancer, pre-eclampsia, etc. In recent years, some users have also claimed that versatility of evening primrose oil also includes the ability to promote weight loss. These claims have gotten so much attention that some have been marketing it as evening primrose oil weight loss supplements.
Should such claims be taken seriously, or are they mere marketing ploys by sellers to extend their client base? A strain of the Oenothera genus, the evening primrose, is a biennial plant that is native to North America. It is most popular for its oil derivative, which has long been regarded as a cure-all compound. EPO is perhaps best known for its properties that are beneficial for female health, particularly with its ability to treat and manage PMS and menopause symptoms.
It is also known to ease skin inflammation, which makes it ideal for managing psoriasis flare-ups, acne, and eczema. This is also the reason why it is a staple in beauty treatment products such as soaps and lotions. Apart from those already mentioned, EPO has been used for the following medical conditions:. Experts attribute the seeming cure-all abilities of evening primrose oil to its high gamma-linolenic acid or GLA content, which has long been the subject of interest of medical experts.
Evening primrose oil contains between 7 to 10 percent GLA making it a good source of this polyunsaturated fat. Most of the medical conditions stated earlier, such as eczema, PMS, and multiple sclerosis, are known to be induced by the lack of prostaglandin. The efficacy of GLA as a cure-all, therefore, may be associated with its ability to encourage the production of prostaglandin.
Evening primrose oil is also used as an essential oil for weight loss by either consuming orally or inhaling through a diffuser.
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Way before the recent talk about the properties of EPO that promotes weight loss, evening primrose plants have actually been used for weight management. Studies are still ongoing to see if and how EPO promotes weight loss.
If anything, the results from these studies may only serve to confirm what the Native American tribes already knew for hundreds of years. As of this writing, some experts theorize that the ability of EPO to promote weight loss is likely because of its high GLA content. It may surprise some to know that you need fat to be able to use the fat stores in the body for energy more efficiently.
Prostaglandin acts like a hormone that responds to the presence of GLA. It has been observed that those with low levels of prostaglandin are either carrying excess weight or have slow metabolic rates. Black seed oil weight loss is also one of the most effective oils when it comes to seeing weight loss results along with evening primrose oil.
Apart from the effects of GLA, other experts believe that the weight loss promoting properties of EPO comes from its ability to suppress appetite, curb hunger, and eliminate cravings. Some who use evening primrose oil weight loss supplements claim that taking EPO via soft gel capsules was effective in staving off hunger for more extended periods. If these claims are true, then EPO will be ideal for those who are on a low-carb diet and those who are following an intermittent fasting eating program for weight loss.
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I realize that losing weight can be an arduous task. Unfortunately, most of these folks will end up losing weight and then gaining it and more back. Being overweight can be dangerous to your health and may increase risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. I realize that people will try most anything in order to lose weight.
But, instead wasting time and money on methods that are not scientifically based, my recommendation would be to first set up an appointment with a registered dietitian. She can really help you make realistic changes in your eating habits and help you to healthfully and safely lose weight.
Benefits of GLA
She can provide scientifically based education about food and nutrition, and help you instill changes that can last a lifetime. But, investment into following a nutritious diet has huge rewards and can help prevent disease and live a longer life! There were some error s with the information you input. Please check below for red text. Log In with Facebook. What is Evening Primrose Oil? What are the Uses and Benefits of Primrose Oil? Weight Loss GLA, the active ingredient in evening primrose oil, has been shown to help prevent weight regain in formerly obese individuals. Skin health There are several different types of acne with a variety of causes — pimples, blackheads, nodular acne, hormonal acne, and cystic acne.
Evening Primrose Oil Side Effects and Dosage Side effects of supplementing with evening primrose oil include headaches and mild stomach upset diarrhoea or nausea. Take Home Message While research on all of the potential benefits of evening primrose oil seems to be limited, there are some indications that it could be helpful with some conditions.
FAQ Does evening primrose oil cause weight loss? What are the benefits of taking evening primrose oil? What are the side effects of evening primrose oil? Buy Now. Evening Primrose Oil.
Evening Primrose Oil
National Institutes of Health. Schirmer, M. Kapoor, S. Topical herbal therapies an alternative and complementary choice to combat acne. Silva, J. Park, K. The effect of evening primrose oil for the prevention of xerotic cheilitis in acne patients being treated with isotretinoin: a pilot study.