The essential fatty acid GLA (gamma linolenic acid) found particularly in Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil isn't often associated with slimming. In the UK it is primarily taken by women to alleviate the symptoms of Premenstral Syndrome (PMS) such as breast tenderness, bloating from fluid retention, irritability, depression and stress. GLA is thought to help keep a healthy balance of hormones in the body.
What is less known are the benefits of GLA regarding weight loss. Although there have been many studies proving the benefits for weight loss, these have been overshadowed by its role as a 'PMS Relief' aid. One thing that I've noticed about health food stores is that they will often only market a particular product for one particular purpose and are often unaware of their other benefits. Sometimes the 'official' purpose is actually less relevant than some of the less known benefits.
Take Omega 3 fish oil for example, for years marketed almost entirely as a circulation and 'healthy heart' supplement, is also one of the most effective treatments for depression available today.
Anyway, back to GLA. GLA works to aid slimming in 2 main ways. Firstly it can be a strong metabolism booster, research has shown that GLA aids in the conversion into energy of a type of fat particularly stored by overweight people called brown adipose tissue or BAT. It also affects the conversion of glucose or blood sugar into fat.
The second effect of GLA on weight loss is probably related to its better known role in lessening the symptoms on PMS by helping to maintain a healthy hormonal balance. Hormonal imbalances can lead to depression and stress which in some people can lead to over eating, fatigue and less willingness to go out and lead an active life. GLA has also been shown to increase and balance levels of the brain neurotransmitter seratonin which promotes feelings of wellness, fullness and satisfaction.
To summarise some of the main points about GLA for slimming:
- GLA is a natural Fatty Acid found in several types of food including diary products and blackcurrant seeds, and in larger amounts in Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower (borage) Oil.
- The body can manufacture GLA from other vegetable oils in the diet but this conversion process can be very inefficient particularly if you drink alcohol, smoke, have diabetes, eat lots of convenience foods containing refined fats (man made trans fats) or eat lots of sugary foods.
- Overweight people are much more likely to be deficient in GLA
- GLA is effective at treating addictions and cravings. It may be particularly effective if you see your eating problem as an addictive behaviour.
- GLA has been found to be most effective at promoting weight loss in people who are moderately to very overweight or obese. It is less likely to help you shed those last few pounds.
- GLA is as important in maintaining weight as in losing it.
- GLA has been found to be especially effective where weight problems run in families.
- GLA raises metabolism of fats, helping to release them into energy
- GLA can help treat psychological factors that might lead to weight gain such as stress and depression
- Evening Primrose or Starflower oil supplements are not a 'slimming pill' or a crutch. They are not a fad, but provide nutrients essential to the body.
