Gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA, is a weight loss drug that is processed, packaged, and marketed as such by many different health and fitness companies. GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that is usually found in evening primrose oil. Many other omega-6 fatty acids can cause swelling and bloating, but GLA has been shown to do the opposite.
Uses
GLA, as part of evening primrose oil, has been used for several years as a medicine. It is used to treat skin disorders, lower the levels of cholesterol in the bloodstream, treat depression, regulate moods in people suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and has even been marketed as a pill to prevent cancer.
As part of folk medicine, GLA has been used to treat allergies, regulate blood pressure, elevate the moods of persons suffering from Pre-Menstrual Syndrome or PMS, and even stop osteoporosis.
GLA can reduce inflammation in different parts of the body, and can also increase the rate at which the body breaks down food into nutrients and absorbs these foods. The inflammation relief and metabolic speed induced by GLA have made it popular amongst health and weight loss enthusiasts.
Early studies on GLA have shown effectiveness of GLA against the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, research has shown that GLA is not effective in treating skin conditions or in regulating blood pressure. There is also no sufficient evidence that GLA can treat heart disease or lower cholesterol.
Side Effects
Research has shown that consuming GLA can also lead to several side effects. It can cause diarrhea and dehydration. GLA can also slow the clotting of blood, and it should not be taken at least a week prior to surgery. GLA should therefore not be taken with blood thinning medication. GLA can cause intestinal gas. It can induce seizures in persons suffering from seizure disorders.
At much higher concentrations, GLA can dangerously decrease blood pressure, and can even cause inflammation. GLA should not be taken during chemotherapy, and should not be taken with some antibiotics. Despite these warnings, GLA is still popular among weight loss enthusiasts and health buffs, and has even been endorsed by Dr. Oz on television. Dr. Oz recommends a cup of beans an 1,000 mg of GLA at the start of each meal as a way to jumpstart weight loss.
Reviews
Reviews of the product have claimed that GLA can increase energy and elevate moods, which reviewers have linked to more enthusiasm for exercise. Some reviewers have also claimed that they took GLA in order to relieve the bloating and bad moods that came with menstruation. GLA was able to elevate the depressive moods that usually came with menstruation, and also eased the pain and cramps.
The reviews on its effects on slimming are still mixed. For some reviewers, GLA was able to increase the frequency of exercise, so the reviewers lost weight without having to change their diet. On the other hand, other reviewers claimed that GLA did not lead to weight loss and was not as effective as advertised.
Bottom line, there are better and safer products for weight loss on the market, keep looking.
