In this Issue:
Greetings,
Sun Protection & Healthy Skin with GLA!
A little sun soaking can make almost anyone purrr. But it’s summer and in
most places, the sun is blazing.
Unfortunately, too much sun can mean skin damage and unpleasant sunburns --
not to mention premature aging and
increased risk of cancer.
Alas, external sun damage isn’t your only enemy when it comes to supporting skin
health. Skin health relies just as much on nutrition, as keeping out of harmful
rays.
That means the
right nutrients in the right proportions are important. Healthy skin outside is a sign of a healthy inside, and problems
with the skin are rarely just cosmetic.
Which brings me to
evening primrose oil. What makes the oil of this little seed so
special? Yep, it's yet another case for the benefits of Essential Fatty Acids!
Evening Primrose Oil is a rich source of the long-chain fatty acid
gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a rare type of omega-6
polyunsaturated fatty acid found in very few dietary sources.
The skin needs essential fatty acids, particularly when stressed by exposure
to the sun.
Studies have shown that UV rays cause a significant release of fatty acids
from cell membranes, meaning skin cells need these fatty acids replaced during times of
stress.
Absorption of GLA takes place within the mucosal cells of the small
intestine. GLA-laden triglycerides enter into the lymphatics and are transported
by the blood to the various tissues of the body including the skin.
GLA and its metabolites can also provide comfort to the connective tissues by
serving as precursors in the
synthesis of prostaglandins, a group of fatty acid compounds needed
throughout the body for regulation of inflammation, pain, fluid balance, and
hormone production and function.
Assimilation of GLA is aided by bile salts and healthy mucosal cells in the
intestines. To obtain the most benefits from ingesting these oils, you need
plenty of digestive enzymes, prebiotics and healthy flora.
Given that GLA is hard to come by in the diet alone, you might consider a
supplementary source of Evening Primrose Oil to support your body's GLA levels. By
providing proper oils and moisture, GLA supplements can help prevent dry skin
and protect against sun damage.
If you’re a sun-bather, or happen to live in a place with intense summer
sun, the
International Journal of Cosmetic Science recommends at least 2000mg or
more of evening primrose oil daily.
And, since significant amount of sun damage actually occurs during
non-vacation times (i.e., when we are not expecting it nor taking adequate
precautions), keeping GLA in your cells on a regular basis may help protect your
skin.
Dietary protection and renewal of skin cells is also provided by
carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbate, and flavonoids. You can find these in this
kat's
Sam's Advanced Antioxidant Plus D3, which is loaded with vitamin A, C, and
E.
Health in the News
Meanwhile, Teri called Tess this morning to announce that she now has her
very own MySpace.com
page.
If you're unfamiliar with MySpace, it's an online community where members
have a single personally designed page with fun information, a "friends" list,
and a chance to connect with people all over the world.
You can catch pictures
Teri's beautiful orchids and her very dear friend Barbara, who recently
passed away. It's a beautiful page indeed.
Check out this kat's favorite Teri!
Still purringly yours,
Guido
Guido Housemouser
Chief Kat and Community Manager
Our Health Co-op
4188 Westroads Drive,
Unit 123
Riviera Beach, FL 33407
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