Blackcurrant seed oil contains omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for bodily functions. It is used medicinally for anti-inflammatory purposes, to treat arthritis and skin complaints, and to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It can be taken orally but should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Blackcurrant seed oil, as the name suggests, is derived from the seeds of the blackcurrant; Blackcurrant berries, also known as Ribes nigrum, are obtained from the Saxifragaceae shrub. The oil contains linoleic acid in two forms, 17% gamma-linoleic acid from the omega-6 family and 13% alpha-linoleic acid from the omega-3 family. Omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to carry out many essential bodily functions. The body breaks down fatty acids to produce regulatory substances called prostaglandins. These are hormones that control the contraction and dilation of vascular muscle cells, cell growth, tissue protection, pain sensitization, platelet aggregation, as well as platelet disaggregation, calcium movement, and inflammatory mediation.
The oil is used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory agent. It has been found effective in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism. The oil can reduce the production of cytokines, which cause inflammation, and this leads to a lower incidence of inflammation and stiffness in the joints. Menstrual cramps, menopausal pain, and PMS disorders can be treated with blackcurrant seed oil.
Gamma-linoleic acid is known to lower blood pressure and prevent constriction of blood vessels. It is known to lower cholesterol and promote better cellular metabolic activity. This can help prevent heart attacks and help reduce weight. Linoleic acid is also known to help reduce toxic levels in the liver, and as such is used to treat people with alcohol-related liver problems.
Skin complaints such as irritation and dry skin, which usually arise from a loss of water content in the skin, can also be treated with this essential oil. The fatty acids in the oil help to repair the skin tissue and provide the skin with the required moisture. Wrinkle formation can also be reduced to some extent with black currant seed oil. Regular use can help keep the skin in a supple condition.
Blackcurrant seed oil can be taken orally in capsule form. The oil is generally not known to have any adverse side effects when taken alone or in combination with other medications. However, there have been some reports of blackcurrant seed oil causing rashes or respiratory problems. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a doctor before making these capsules a part of the daily health regimen. It is possible to obtain the essential fatty acids required by the body from other dietary sources such as soybeans, nuts, and kiwi seeds, as well as evening primrose oil, hemp seed oil, and borage oil.
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