The North American version of the evening primrose flower looks similar to English primrose, but isn’t really a primrose at all. Its major health benefit is that besides being rich in vitamin E, the oil from this plant is high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which influences nearly every system in the body. This is because GLA is converted into a potent natural anti-inflammatory substance called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1).

This hormone-like PGE1 aids heart health by dilating blood vessels and acting as a blood thinner. Taking evening primrose oil (EPO) has also been shown to lower triglycerides by forty-eight percent, while simultaneously increasing useful HDLs -- so it is a good idea to include EPO in any plan to reduce heart disease risks, along with other essential fatty acids like the EPA found in fish oils. One study revealed that combining evening primrose oil with fish oil effectively lowered blood pressure, which is one of the major risk factors in heart attacks.

Besides improving our heart health, the anti-inflammatory properties of GLA (found in evening primrose oil) can help alleviate the cramps and breast pain associated with PMS. London’s St. Thomas Hospital studied women suffering from PMS and found that of the women they gave GLA (as evening primrose oil), 67% reported becoming symptom-free and 89% had positive results. In an article published in the Lancet, half of the women taking GLA experienced improvement in the breast tenderness associated with their menstrual cycle. EPO/GLA is also helpful to fibrocystic breast disease and osteoporosis.

Several studies have confirmed that taking GLA can help reduce pain and inflammation in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diabetics typically have problems with metabolizing many of the essential fatty acids -- particularly converting linolenic acid to GLA. If you supplement your diet with evening primrose oil, the conversion impairment is bypassed and your body gets the GLA it needs. Many diabetic neuropathies (damages to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system) have been treated with GLA from evening primrose oil. Significant improvements have been shown in diabetes patient’s muscle strength, reflexes and levels of hot/cold sensation.

The anti-inflammatory effects of GLA found in evening primrose oil can alleviate numerous women’s health concerns, increase our heart health and help to restore our body’s natural health in a dozen different ways. It should be a part of your diet starting today!