Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid that most of us know as evening primrose oil (EPO). But before one can tell which type of linoleic acid to use and why it’s so important, let’s look at the scientific evidence behind the ingredient.
There are two types of linoleic acids—substance K linoleic acid (SKL), also known as eounsene or monounsaturated linoleic acid, and a non-dihydrofatty acid called polyunsaturated lecithin. In contrast, dihydrofatty acids like linolenic acid (DHA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DMA), which comprise more than 15 percent of our body’s linoleic acid intake, have no health benefits. However, linoleic acid has been shown to have many medical benefits that make it suitable for treating chronic conditions, including diabetes and inflammatory arthritis. The good news is there is a great reason to recommend GLA for some very serious patients, including those who take anti-depressants or suffer from brain injury. People with hypertension, epilepsy and cancer often find benefits from using GLA.
What Is Gamma Linolenic Acid? In addition to its chemical name — gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) — GLA also has a chemical formula and molecular structure similar to linoleic acid. It is also sometimes referred to as esterified linolenic acid. Since it does not provide enough omega-3 fatty acids to the brain for optimal function, this nutrient is often deficient in most western diets. As such, people with severe diseases who have limited sources of these nutrients may want to consider another form of linoleic acid, particularly if they suffer from any of the following chronic diseases or are suffering any of the following: Chronic muscle pain, epilepsy, memory loss in those who were previously malnourished, Alzheimer’s disease, heart failure, infertility, and high blood pressure. How Can I Get Gla? There are several ways you can get GLA. You can buy GLA oils, capsules, or supplements. A typical bottle contains 8 ounces of GLA. To give them a deep flavor, you can add peppermint extract. Several products also come with different amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, GLA-S. The vitamin E acetate supplement contains a mixture of GLA-S and DHA for 20 minutes, whereas GLA capsules are available as a 1/2 oz serving. When making tea, try adding 2 teaspoons of GLA by itself. This helps keep your digestive system healthy and less bloated. Other useful tips include drinking a glass of water before each meal to help digestion. If possible, you should drink GLA tea. One popular brand is MyPlate. Many other brands, like Herbalife Nutrition, are available to order online.
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What Should I Expect From Alpha Gla Fatty Acids Beta-Linoleneic acid (PLA) is made up of GLA. Beta-linolenic acid (BCA) is also a natural linoleic acid. Both of these two components can be found in soybeans, but BCA has an olive flavor instead of a lemon flavor like GLA. The main differences between GLA and BCA are in their composition. Whereas GLA can be found in various foods, BCA is found only in olive oil and has a distinct and fruity taste. While both GLA and BCA are monounsaturated, GLA can be converted into mono-unsaturated BCA with the fat-soluble vitamin E acetate (EAT). Thus, in theory, GLA could be substituted for BCA in place of EAT.
