Sea buckthorn… the new essential fatty acid!
Many of you are aware of the benefits of fish oil, an omega-3 essential fatty acid (EFA). It is strong anti-inflammatory, effective at relieving joint pain and pain intensity. It also helps to decrease LDL (bad cholesterol), increase HDL (good cholesterol) and assists with the management of healthy triglycerides. It also has strong cognitive effects improving brain function, notably being associated with mood, and memory.
Omega-6, found principally in evening primrose oil has an affinity with female hormones, notably regulating painful menstrual cycles and premenstrual breast tenderness, and also assists with dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and dandruff.
Right, that’s omega-3 and omega-6 in a nutshell. Now let’s look at sea buckthorn which contains an amazing combination on omega-3, omega-6, omega-7 and omega-9! Quality sea buckthorn oil is derived from the fruit and seed oil of organic berries grown at 15,000 feet above sea level in the mountains of the Tibetan plateau. This high-altitude environment subjects the fruit to extreme temperature variations and increased ultraviolet light and sun exposure, producing a concentrated spectrum of omega fatty acids including omega-7 along with a balanced profile of omega-3, 6 and 9.
Sea buckthorn supports collagen formation, skin elasticity and hydration and relieves skin redness and dry eyes. In females it also supports vaginal health in post-menopausal women. Oestrogen shifts associated with perimenopause and menopause reduce cellular hydration and increase inflammatory expression, leaving skin and mucous membranes vulnerable to dryness and inflammation. In addition to omega-7, the presence of carotenoids and tocopherols, as well as antioxidants, such as flavonoids and ascorbic acid makes sea buckthorn ideal for treating a range of gynaecological health concerns, including uterine inflammation, endometriosis and vaginal atrophy.
Indeed, a recent study examining vaginal health in postmenopausal women showed that compared to placebo, 3g per day for three months of sea buckthorn significantly reduced the hallmark symptoms of vaginal atrophy including vaginal redness, odour, itching, pain, dryness and dysuria (painful urination). Furthermore, a similar study (same dose and duration) in women with vaginal lichen planus showed reduced itching, burning, pain and increased vaginal lubrication by 46%.
Other health issues which may benefit with sea buckthorn supplementation include dry eye, especially during the cold season, Sjogren’s syndrome, psoriasis and hyper-pigmentation.
Indeed, overflowing with omegas-3, 6, 7 and 9, sea buckthorn is the only botanical source with such a qualitative and quantitative abundance of clinically valuable fatty acids. Many of the beneficial effects are bolstered by the dominance of monounsaturated omega-7s, specifically palmitoleic acid.
