Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is extracted from the oblong seed capsules of the Evening Primrose plant. Originating from North America, it has been a part of traditional American Indian Medicine for many years.

1. Cellular benefits of PUFA’s EPO contains poly unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA’s). The health benefits of PUFA’s from Evening Primrose Oil are many including and helping to maintain your body’s cells and cell membranes. Due to their cell support qualities, PUFA’s help maintain cell membrane flexibility and resilience impacting skin health. PUFA’s from EPO have been demonstrated to maintain the integrity of the water impermeability barrier of the skin.
2. Gamma-linolenic-acid The health benefits of EPO do not end there. Not only does EPO contain the PUFA linoleic acid (LA), an Omega 6 fatty acid which comprises approximately 70% of the seed oil, EPO also contains the additional Omega 6 fatty acid Gamma-linolenic-acid (GLA). GLA is what gives EPO many of its medicinal qualities; this fatty acid is known to help promote cardiovascular health, prevent hardening of the arteries, heart disease, premenstrual syndrome, multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure. It relieves pain and inflammation and aids in supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
3. Essential LA and GLA Both LA and GLA found in EPO are Omega 6 fatty acids and are considered essential; that is, we must acquire them in the diet regularly as our body cannot manufacture them. In optimal health states the body converts LA to GLA, however many of us are not good converters and do not have sufficient activity of the enzyme delta-6-destarurase to convert LA in to GLA.
4. Aging and GLA Aging is another reason why we may have less activity of the delta-6-destarurase enzyme resulting in less LA converting to GLA; consequently, lack of this enzyme has health ramifications for our cardiovascular and immune systems.
5. Anti-inflammatory EPO supplementation leads to increased di-homo-gamma- linolenic-acid (DGLA) which is a competitive inhibitor to pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. GLA helps to promote the uptake of DGLA into cells, which then inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds. Due to all of its anti-inflammatory properties, EPO has been used beneficially in the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory joint conditions.
6. Cardiovascular benefits The direct metabolites of DGLA include Prostaglandin 1 (PGE1). PGE1 has been shown to inhibit inflammation, regulate immunity, cause vasodilation, reduce blood pressure, improve flexibility of red blood cell membranes, and inhibit platelet aggregation.
7. Allergy and skin disorders Traditionally GLA has been taken of the relief of skin disorders and inflammation such as atopic eczema and itching such as pruritus.
8. PMS relief EPO has a proven track record in helping the relief symptoms associated with PMS. It seems that some women with PMS are not able to convert LA into GLA due to lack of delta-6-desturase, resulting in increased sensitivity to proinflammatory compounds in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Supplementing with GLA from EPO could bypass this problem and normalize the sensitivity.
9. Vegan EPO As EPO is a vegan and ‘animal ingredient free’ anti-inflammatory oil, it is always beneficial to continue the vegan theme and find a brand with a vegan capsule. Most capsules available to customers are gelatin based, which means your vegan EPO oil is no longer a completely vegan product. Something to consider if you are interested in these diet related topics.

With all the health benefits of EPO your just can't go wrong with adding this supplement into your daily routine!

Mr Vitamins recommends

Southernature Evening Primrose Oil

Vegan EPO 1000mg helps to relief inflammation and pain whilst supporting your heart, skin and more Find out more and shop online for Southernature Evening Primrose Oil here   References:

1. American Health Association. (2016). Polyunsaturated Fats. Retrieved form: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/HealthyLiving/HealthyEating/Nutrition/Polyunsaturated-Fats_UCM_301461_Article.jsp# 2. Braun, L., Cohen, M. (2007). Herbs & Natural Supplements. An evidence based guide. 2nd edn. Churchill Livingstone. pp: 178 – 182. 3. Fisher, C., Painter, G. (1996). Materia Medica of Western Herbs for the Southern Hemisphere. National Herbalists Association of Australia. pp: 99 – 101. 4. van Wyk, B, E., Wink, M. (2004). Medicinal Plant of the World. Briza Publications. South Africa. p. 218.