Wisdom Wednesday: Black Current Seed Oil

Black current seed oil is an omega 6 fatty acid. Just like the omega 3 fatty acids, omega 6s are essential. Humans can not create the double bond at the 3rd carbon or the 6th carbon from the terminal end of the fatty acid. So both must be in the diet.

Unlike omega 3 fatty acids, there are plenty of sources of omega 6 fatty acids in our diet. Olive, corn, soy, sunflower, and safflower oils are all rich in omega 6s. Unfortunately, most of these oils also contain saturated fats that are not so healthy.

In addition, many of us can not convert the linoleic acid (omega 6) into gamma linolenic acid (GLA) to be used by the body. Alcohol, saturated fats, trans-fats, deficiencies of vitamin B3, B6 or zinc, some chemicals and some viral infections can block the chemical pathway for conversion. As we age, as stress increases, or when any of the factors of metabolic syndrome appear, this process becomes less efficient. GLA can also be diverted into the arachidonic acid pathway by these same factors, increasing inflammation body wide. (Please review my blog on Sesame Seed Oil)

The abundance in the diet, poor conversion to GLA, and tendency to be pro-inflammatory in nature has led most nutritionist to recommend against supplementation of omega 6 fatty acids. However, I disagree with their reasoning and often recommend black current seed oil. I believe you need to correct the metabolic errors rather than deny an essential nutrient to the body.

Wisdom Wednesday: Sesame Seed Oil

Now that I have finished my review of the QA (Quintessential Applications), I will return to describing some of my favorite supplements on Wednesday Wisdom.

In the omega 6 fatty acid pathway, long chain molecules are first converted to GLA (gamma linolenic acid). This process is often impaired by poor diet, viral infections, age, alcohol use, and various B vitamin deficiencies. You can support omega 6 fatty acid metabolism by supplementing black current seed oil, borage oil, or evening primrose oil. All three of these supplements are high in GLA. My personal preference is black current seed oil.

Once your body has acquired GLA, vitamin B6 acts as a catalyst to convert it to DGLA. At this point a highly significant crossroad is reached. In a healthy state, the body then converts DGLA into anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PG1). However, when insulin resistance, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, or any aspect of metabolic syndrome is present, the DGLA is converted to pro-inflammatory PG2.