Starflower oil is extracted from blue star seeds and is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega 6 fatty acid. It has various health benefits which may improve the heart, skin and premenstrual syndrome.
Contents:
- What Is Starflower Oil?
- What Are The Benefits of Taking Starflower Oil?
- Potential Side Effects of Starflower Oil
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Starflower Oil?
Also known as borage, starflower grows across various locations worldwide. However, it’s predominantly found in the Mediterranean region.
Starflower oil is extracted from the seeds, which is often used in both liquid and supplement form.
These seeds naturally produce high quantities of the essential fatty acids Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) and Linolenic Acid (LA) which, when taken in supplement form, are often enriched with added Vitamin E to provide additional benefits.
These three key components are where the majority of the starflower oil benefits come from, providing a wide variety of both mental and physical health benefits.
What Are The Benefits of Taking Starflower Oil?
#1 – Helps With Hormonal Balance
Perhaps one of the most well documented starflower oil benefits is its ability to ease the symptoms of hormonal imbalances and pre-menstrual stress (PMS). These can often include stomach cramping, mood swings, and an inconsistent or imbalanced menstrual cycle.
Recent studies in this field found a distinctive link between the consumption of starflower oil supplements and a significant reduction in the prevalence of ‘hot flushes’ and menstrual cramps in women over 50.
Incorporating plenty of metabolism boosting foods alongside these starflower oil can benefit hormonal imbalances and ensure a better quality of life.
#2 – Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is part of the body’s natural defence system and contributes towards our immune system’s ability to deal with disease, illness, and bacteria.
Having high levels of inflammation can lead to serious complications, especially with the body’s vital organs. This includes certain forms of cancer, cardiovascular issues, and problems with circulation.
Inflammation occurs throughout the body and is part of the body’s defences against harmful, invasive pathogens. The high GLA content of starflower oil aids in the reduction of those levels of inflammation.
GLA is an essential fatty acid which has long been proven to actively combat inflammation in the body, and reduce these levels over time to ensure that our body can self-regulate effectively and safely.
#3 – Aids With Menopausal Symptoms
Most commonly affecting women in their late 40s and 50s, the menopause brings significant imbalances of female hormones. Unpleasant side effects often include temperature fluctuations (hot flushes), difficulty with sleeping, mood changes, and tenderness or soreness around the breasts.
One of the main starflower oil benefits for menopause is its ability to mitigate some of these symptoms and reduce the impact they can have on your day-to-day life.
Many prominent studies in the field have discovered a connection between consuming supplements rich in GLA and a significant reduction in the symptoms of menopause, with no sign of any adverse effects.
Not only that, but the reduction in inflammation can help fight some physical pains during menopause. The more tangible inflammation that causes the tender or sore feeling around the breasts is reduced by taking a supplement that’s rich in GLA, such as starflower oil.
The previously mentioned study found a dip in the amount of hot flushes, in particular in those who experienced the health benefits of starflower oil during menopause.
#4 – Eases Arthritic Aches
Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes significant pain around the joints, and in more serious cases can impede the sufferer’s ability to walk or perform simple daily tasks.
One of the most crucial starflower oil benefits is that it can mitigate against some of the pain that those suffering with arthritis feel.
A comprehensive study first uncovered the link and since then, more evidence has been established supporting the fact that the high content of GLA in starflower oil has significant benefits for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
For further information on relieving persistent pains, we’ve compiled a complete guide to the best CBD oils for pain relief.
#5 – Improves Skin Health
One of the more surprising starflower oil skin benefits is that it can help to rejuvenate and brighten your complexion, as well as actively combat more prominent skin problems, such as acne and eczema.
One important thing to note about GLA is that it’s a fatty acid. This healthy fat provides the skin with a barrier against external irritants that can cause more serious issues, such as dust.
In fact, a recent study discovered just how starflower oil benefits acne sufferers, as well as those with chronic or recurring problems with dry skin. Over half of the study’s participants saw visible improvements over a short period of time.
#6 – Combats Cardiovascular Issues
Next on our list of the health benefits of starflower oil is its ability to provide support for the heart. It may actively help combat serious cardiovascular issues and possibly even mitigate against the root causes of heart complications.
While research is limited, there have been significant findings, with one study pointing towards a definitive link between consumption of a bioavailable source of GLA (such as starflower oil supplements) and lower blood pressure. This is often a key contributor towards more serious cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease.
Perhaps more important is that starflower oil benefits us further by helping to lower overall stress levels, which have a significant impact on our heart health and how well our body deals with everyday stresses.
#7 – Boosts Antioxidant Levels
The final advantage when it comes to starflower oil benefits is its ability to boost our levels of antioxidants, helping to prevent oxidative stress from occurring across the body.
Antioxidants actively combat potentially harmful molecules known as ‘free radicals’ and ensure they can’t cause harm. Left unchecked, ‘free radicals’ can cause significant damage to our cells and lead to serious issues, such as oxidative stress, heart disease, and even cancers.
However, one of the more recently established starflower oil benefits is that it can actively play a role in boosting the levels of antioxidants we have in our bodies. Now, while the body does make these naturally, it doesn’t produce enough of them.
Antioxidant foods are a great way to get more and you can go even further by taking starflower oil supplements.
With a recent study discovering a link between the GLA content of starflower oil capsules and a reduction in the oxidative stress caused by radiotherapy, these supplements can even create a much better quality of life for those suffering from certain cancers.
Potential Side Effects of Starflower Oil
Although the side effects are minimal compared to the health benefits of starflower oil, we’ll examine some of these and how you can mitigate against them.
#1 – Can Cause Stomach Issues
Perhaps one of the more noticeable side effects of starflower oil is that it may cause stomach discomfort for certain people, usually in the form of mild cramping and bloating. This can then lead to more concerning problems, like nausea and diarrhoea.
Starflower oil’s high GLA content, while it forms the basis of many of the starflower oil benefits we’ve examined, can cause these issues. Although they’re usually mild, it’s definitely something to be aware of.
#2 – Could Trigger Allergic Reactions
One of the less prevalent side effects of starflower oil is that it can trigger allergic reactions. These will usually be mild symptoms, such as sneezing or a tickly throat.
However, these can progress into more serious symptoms, which can include dizziness, fatigue, rashes and swelling, or light-headedness. If this happens, you should stop taking the supplements, and visit your doctor before starting up again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Starflower Oil Should I Take?
The recommended dosage is one tablet per day. While it can be tempting to take multiple capsules per day to experience the health benefits of starflower oil, you should adhere to the recommended dosage.
We suggest taking it as part of your morning routine, as you can combine it with the health benefits of black coffee.
Where Can I Buy Starflower Oil?
While it’s not available as part of a prescription, there are numerous budget-friendly options out there. Its widespread popularity and availability means you won’t have to shop around to find it.
Many popular high street retailers such as Boots or Holland & Barrett will have options so you can experience the health benefits of starflower oil for yourself. However, you can also purchase starflower oil capsules online.
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References:
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- a Costa Hime, Lúcia de Fátima Cahino MD1,2; Carvalho Lopes, Ceci Mendes MD, PhD3; Roa, Cristiane Lima MD3; Zuchelo, Lea Tami Suzuki PhD3; Baracat, Edmund C. MD, PhD3; de Andrade, Januário PhD1,4; Soares, José Maria Jr MD, PhD4 Is there a beneficial effect of gamma-linolenic acid supplementation on body fat in postmenopausal hypertensive women? A prospective randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial, Menopause: June 2021 – Volume 28 – Issue 6 – p 699-705,
- Zurier, R.B., Rossetti, R.G., Jacobson, E.W., Demarco, D.M., Liu, N.Y., Temming, J.E., White, B.M. and Laposata, M. (1996), Gamma-linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 39: 1808-1817.
- G.C. Leng, A.J. Lee, F.G.R. Fowkes, R.G. Jepson, G.D.O. Lowe, E.R. Skinner, B.F. Mowat, Randomized controlled trial of gamma-linolenic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in peripheral arterial disease, Clinical Nutrition, Volume 17, Issue 6, 1998, Pages 265-271, ISSN 0261-5614
- Khattab HAH, Abdallah IZA, Yousef FM, Huwait EA. Efficiency Of Borage Seeds Oil Against Gamma Irradiation-induced Hepatotoxicity In Male Rats: Possible Antioxidant Activity. Afr J Tradit Complement Altern Med. 2017 Jun 5;14(4):169-179. doi: 10.21010/ajtcam.v14i4.20. PMID: 28638880; PMCID: PMC5471464.
