Perilla Oil 1000 mg., 180 softgels

Everyone knows that too much of the wrong kinds of dietary fats can be dangerous. On the other hand, the obsession with eating reduced fat meals has created a serious deficiency in the consumption of those fatty acids that are essential to life and good health. While most people continue to obtain sufficient amounts of the omega-6 fatty acids which are plentiful in a wide range of foods, the fact is, few people obtain enough dietary omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids which are beneficial for cardiovascular problems, and even fewer obtain enough dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to prevent the wide range of degenerative diseases.

EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is the precursor of the series 3 prostaglandins, potent anti-inflammatory and anticlotting agents.

They can:

Reduce arthritic inflammation and pain

Elevate HDL levels

Reduce abnormal platelet aggregation

Lower triglyceride levels

DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is a highly unsaturated fatty acid found in particular abundance in the membranes of mitochondria and neurons where it may assist their function by increasing their fluidity.

Caution:

GLA, EPA and DHA have been shown to inhibit abnormal clotting within blood vessels (thrombosis). Most ischemic heart attacks and strokes are caused by abnormal arterial blood clots, so consuming these essential fatty acids may help protect against these types of cardiovascular diseases.

Those taking anticoagulant drugs like Coumadin (warfarin) should inform their doctor that they are taking GLA, EPA, or DHA supplements, as the physician may want to adjust the dose of anticoagulant medication based on blood tests that measure coagulation factors such as prothrombin (PT).

Since GLA, EPA, and DHA interfere with blood clotting, those who suffer from any type of hemorrhagic disease related to excessive bleeding or blood vessel leakage should consult their physician before supplementing these fatty acids.

Fish oil supplements have been available to consumers for almost 20 years, but the relatively high cost, and gastrointestinal side effects felt by some, have precluded many people from getting enough omega-3 fatty acids from fish. Both the EPA and DHA in fish oils can be made by the body from alpha-linolenic acid which is plentiful in only a few plants. Published studies document the benefits of alpha-linolenic acid for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of degenerative diseases. Perilla oil comes from the seeds of the plant, Perilla frutescens, also called the beefsteak plant, which has been consumed in the east Asian diet for thousands of years. The high concentration of alpha-linolenic acid in the east Asian diet may contribute to the lower rates of cancer and cardiovascular disease found in these countries.

1 softgel contains:

Perilla seed oil (Perilla frutescens) 1000 mg

supplying:

Alpha-linolenic acid 550 mg

Dosage and use: 3 softgel caps twice daily with or without food are recommended.

Product should be refrigerated.

Warning: These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet or exercise program. Some of these products are not recommended for individuals under the age of 18.

This page was last modified on Wednesday July 30, 2008