Does Borage Oil Cause Weight Gain?
In a world where every calorie counts and everyone is searching for the secret to optimal health, whether certain supplements might tip the scales is more relevant than ever.
Borage oil often praised for its skin-soothing virtues, is central to this weighty discussion. Does it contribute to unwanted pounds or support your journey toward wellness? This article returns to the layers of borage oil and its complex relationship with our body’s weight.
Busting through myths and misunderstandings is crucial when treading the maze of nutritional advice. Amidst conflicting opinions, one fact stands out: studies indicate that borage oil may be conducive to less body fat accumulation, contrary to worries about weight gain.
Here, we dive into what borage oil does within our bodies—how it works, how much you need, and what effects it might have on your waistline—so you can make informed choices about incorporating this omega-6 powerhouse into your routine.
Ready to unravel the truth behind borage oil and body weight? Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways
- Borage oil comes from a plant and is used to help skin, hair, and nails because it has GLA, a good fat our bodies can’t make.
- Research says borage oil might help with not gaining weight back after losing a lot. Some studies found that it helps stop more fat from building up in the body.
- Taking borage oil should be done carefully; talk to a doctor first. People usually take between 1 and 3 grams of it every day.
- Borage oil could react badly with some medicines or supplements like phenothiazines or things that can hurt the liver, like steroids.
- If you use borage oil, watch for side effects like bloating or other health problems. Some people might have bad reactions to it.
What is Borage Oil?
Borage oil is derived from the seeds of the borage plant and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid known for its potential benefits for skin, hair, and nails.
It is often used as a dietary supplement to help with conditions such as eczema and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Borage oil can be taken in capsule form or incorporated into daily routines.
Origin and Composition
Borage oil comes from the seeds of a bright blue flowering plant called borage. This plant grows well in many gardens and fields around the world. The seeds hold a special fat called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA for short.
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that our bodies can’t make alone.
In these tiny seeds, there’s also linoleic acid, another important fat for our health. When you press the seeds, you get cold-pressed borage seed oil. This natural oil contains good fats that help smooth skin and ease problems like dryness or redness.
Benefits for Skin, Hair, and Nails
Borage oil shines as a natural helper for your skin. It’s packed with GLA, an essential fatty acid that fights inflammation. This means it can soothe acne flare-ups and keep your skin smooth.
Dry or irritated skin gets relief, too, thanks to how borage oil locks in moisture.
Your hair and nails are included too! The same nutrients that calm your skin also support strong nails and healthy hair growth. With regular use of borage oil, you might notice less breaking and more shine in your hair, while brittle nails have become a thing of the past.
Effects on Weight
Studies on the effects of borage oil on weight have shown mixed results. Some studies suggest that borage oil may help with weight loss due to its potential anti-inflammatory effects and ability to increase brown fat levels. In contrast, others indicate no significant impact on body fat accumulation.
Further research is needed to understand the relationship between borage oil and weight management fully.
Studies on Borage Oil and Body Fat Accumulation
Borage oil, a gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) source, has become a subject of interest regarding its effects on weight. Emerging research suggests that borage oil may have a role in reducing body fat accumulation and supporting weight management.
| Study | Participants | Findings | Relevance |
| Dietary GLA and Body Fat | Not specified | Less body fat accumulation, increase in uncoupling protein 1 mRNA in brown fat | Indicates potential thermogenic effects of GLA from borage oil |
| Weight Regain Prevention | Formerly obese humans | Reduction in weight regain when administered as gamma-linolenate | Suggests a role for GLA in maintaining weight loss |
| Metabolic Rate and Lipids | Overweight young adults | No effect on metabolic rate, beneficial effects on plasma triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels | Highlights potential cardiovascular benefits without impacting metabolism |
| GLA Supplementation Post Weight Loss | Individuals post major weight loss | May suppress weight regain | Supports the use of GLA as a supplement to aid in weight maintenance |
Research has delved into various aspects of borage oil’s impact on weight, examining how it may aid in lessening the likelihood of weight regain, particularly after substantial weight loss. The findings are promising for those seeking natural ways to support their weight management journey. The table presents a succinct overview of key studies, revealing potential benefits for individuals aiming to improve their health through mindful dietary supplementation.
Potential Factors Leading to Weight Loss
Studies suggest that borage oil, with its high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) levels, may help correct imbalances related to weight regain. It has been found to inhibit weight gain by promoting energy production and reducing fat accumulation.
The dietary GLA in borage oil causes less body fat accumulation and increases the uncoupling protein 1 mRNA level in brown fat. High amounts of GLA after major weight loss could reduce the risk of weight regain.
Furthermore, research indicates that borage oil reduces weight regain in formerly obese individuals and delays its onset. These findings highlight the potential benefits of using borage oil as a natural supplement for managing body weight and promoting overall health.
Usage and Dosage
When incorporating borage oil into your routine, following recommended dosages is important. Most experts suggest taking between 1 and 3 grams of borage oil daily, but always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
For easy consumption, you can use borage oil in capsule form or as an added ingredient to food or drinks.
How to Incorporate Borage Oil into Your Routine
- Talk to your healthcare professional about the appropriate daily intake of borage oil based on your needs and health conditions.
- Incorporate borage oil into your diet by adding it to salad dressings, smoothies, or yogurt for convenient and tasty consumption.
- Use borage oil as a topical treatment by applying it directly to the skin or adding it to your skincare products for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Consider combining borage oil with other supplements or medications after consulting with a healthcare provider to maximize its potential benefits without adverse interactions.
- Monitor your body’s response to incorporating borage oil into your routine and make adjustments as necessary in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Recommended Dosages
In clinical trials, the recommended dosage of borage seed oil is 1 to 3 g/day. Daily consumption of 1–2 g of borage seed oil can result in a UPA intake approaching 10 mcg.
Possible Interactions and Side Effects
Possible Interactions and Side Effects: Before incorporating borage oil into your routine, it’s important to be aware of potential interactions with other supplements or medications.
Additionally, some individuals may experience minor side effects when using borage oil, so it’s essential to understand the possible outcomes before starting a new supplement regimen.
Interactions with Other Supplements and Medications
Borage supplements with gamma-linolenic acid may interact with phenothiazines, increasing the risk of interactions. Additionally, borage contains compounds that can cause liver toxicity when taken with drugs like anabolic steroids and ketoconazole. It is essential to exercise caution when taking borage in conjunction with other medications. Here are specific interactions to consider:
- Taking supplements containing gamma-linolenic acid, such as borage, with phenothiazines might increase the risk of having interactions.
- Borage contains small amounts of compounds that can cause liver toxicity when taken with drugs like anabolic steroids and ketoconazole.
- Borage can interact with certain medications, so caution is advised when taking it in conjunction with other drugs.
Potential Side Effects
Borage oil may cause some side effects to be aware of, although research is not conclusive. Consider the following:
- Bloating: Some individuals may experience bloating when taking borage oil, although research has not consistently supported this.
- Health Problems: High doses of borage oil and borage itself can lead to health issues, and certain people might encounter side effects.
- Contraindications and Adverse Reactions: Using borage oil might have contraindications and adverse reactions that require attention.
Overview of Borage Oil
Borage oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. It is a popular supplement known for benefiting skin, arthritis treatment, and reducing inflammation due to its GLA content.
This oil can be used as a nutritional supplement to regulate the body’s immune system and combat joint inflammation. Although generally considered safe, there are concerns about potential side effects and toxicity that should be taken into consideration when incorporating borage oil into your health routine.
It also contains high levels of linoleic acid, which contributes to its overall benefits for skin health and treating various skin conditions like eczema. Additionally, research has shown that borage oil may help with weight loss by potentially reducing body fat accumulation and influencing gene expressions related to weight regulation.
FAQs
1. What is borage oil used for?
Borage oil helps with skin problems and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory supplement.
2. Can taking borage oil supplements make you gain weight?
No clear evidence says that borage oil causes weight gain, but you should use it in moderation like any dietary fat.
3. Does borage oil have benefits for the skin?
Many people take borage oil because it has one of the highest amounts of GLA, which benefits the skin and may help treat skin conditions.
4. Are there side effects of using borage oil every day?
Taking a borage oil supplement twice daily can be safe, but talk to your doctor about any possible side effects before using the oil regularly.
5. How is borage oil made?
Oil extracted from the seeds of the beautiful purple-flowered plant called BORAGE is what they put into capsules or bottles as supplements.
6. Are evening primrose and black currant seed oils indeed like borage?
Yes! Evening primrose, black currant seed oils, and fish oils all contain fatty acids similar to those found in BOR-AGE OIL—they’re good for anti-inflammatory needs, too!