Diet & Fitness 

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Evening primrose oil: what's all the fuss about?

Evening primrose oil is a nutritional supplement and a member of the essential fatty acid (EFA) group. There are two members of the group, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Evening primrose oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and one of these, gamma linolenic acid (GLA), has certain medicinal properties that may act as an anti-inflammatory for conditions such as arthritis, eczema, high blood pressure or hypertension. Evening primrose oil is also believed to help alleviate cramps associated with pre-menstrual symptoms, though this has yet to be scientifically proven. Eating fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, salmon and herring, and using safflower, sunflower and rapeseed oils in cooking is the first step to increasing your intake of these acids. You can also consider taking a 2000-4000mg daily dose of an evening primrose oil supplement after consulting your doctor.

Why not chat to other iVillagers about supplements on the Eating For Health message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening now on the board:

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