Blackcurrant seed oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid (EFA).
It also contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid; linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid and a broad spectrum of other fatty acids, providing a balanced combination of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs are essential to health, as our body cannot produce them, therefore they must be consumed from food or supplements. Studies continue to confirm their role in supporting healthy skin, cardiovascular health, mental health, hormone balance, joint mobility, cell membrane fluidity and healthy inflammatory pathways.
GLA is converted in the body from LA and despite most people consuming high levels of dietary LA, many people lack the ability to convert LA into GLA as they lack the enzyme delta-6-desaturase which carries out the conversion in the body. By taking a supplement of GLA this enzymatic conversion is bypassed and the GLA can be utilised by the body.
GLA Supports Health
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is metabolised in the body to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that control many body processes, including the modulation of inflammation as well as having a positive effect on cardiovascular health. GLA has been shown to be particularly beneficial for female reproductive health.
