Mentioned on Dr. Oz recently in a discussion of long term weight loss in the midsection area, GLA is not an unknown to those in the weight loss arena. But many are unfamiliar with this supplement, which some have touted as the newest miracle weight loss drug. What, exactly, is GLA?
Gamma Linolenic Acid is a fatty substance, most commonly found in evening primrose oil. It is an Omega-6 fatty acid, or EFA. EFA’s are called essential because your body needs them for health but they cannot be manufactured by the body, they must be ingested. They are important for brain development, skin and hair growth and help keep the metabolism working. EFA’s come in Omega-3’s and Omega-6’s and both are vital for good health.
There are several different Omega-6 EFA’s, with the predominance of those being unhealthy as they show a tendency to promote inflammation. GLA appears to work differently, as it reduces inflammation.
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