2 products
Organic Borage Oil 180 Capsules
vegan capsules – with plant-based capsule shell made of HPMCSource of Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Borage oil is extracted from the seeds of the borage plant (Borago officinalis), an annual herb that has been used for centuries for a variety of medicinal and culinary purposes.
Today, borage oil is mainly used as a dietary supplement containing omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-6 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body and must be obtained through food or supplements. The oil is very rich in omega-6 fatty acids, especially gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).
The borage plant contains small, black seeds that are cold-pressed to extract the oil. This oil is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquids. It is important to know that borage oil is not the same as fish oil, which is derived from cold-water fish. The fat content of borage oil is higher than that of fish oil, and it is a more concentrated source of GLA.
The oil is available in health food stores, pharmacies, and online shops such as VITALOVE and is a popular supplement for those who want to increase their GLA intake. Additionally, borage oil can also be used for topical skin treatment. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the product label, as excessive borage oil can cause side effects.
The Borage Plant
Borage is a herbaceous, annual plant native to the Mediterranean region but now found in many temperate climates worldwide. The plant is known for its edible leaves and flowers, which have a cucumber-like flavor. It is also used for medicinal purposes and as an ornamental plant in gardens.
The borage plant is easy to grow in the garden and can be planted directly in the ground after the last frost in spring or started indoors in containers and then transplanted outdoors. Borage prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. It should be planted in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
When planting borage, it is important to water it regularly and fertilize monthly. During the summer months, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist and provide sufficient nitrogen. Borage can be harvested throughout the season once the flowers and leaves are fully developed and ready for use.
The flowers and leaves of borage can be harvested for salads, teas, and other dishes. A delicious syrup can also be made from the flowers. The leaves can be used fresh in salads or dried for later use. The flowers and leaves must be used fresh and not stored, as they quickly lose their flavor and color otherwise.
Simple Production
The production of borage oil begins with harvesting the seeds of the plant. The seeds are then cleaned, dried, and cold-pressed to extract the oil. Afterwards, the oil is distilled to remove all impurities. Finally, the oil is filtered and bottled.
The entire process of producing borage oil is quite simple and straightforward. The oil naturally has a high GLA content, so no further processing is necessary. Because the oil is cold-pressed, it also retains its beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals.
The oil is generally safe, but people taking certain medications such as blood thinners or anticoagulants should consult a doctor before use. Additionally, the oil should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Use in the Kitchen
To allow borage oil to exert its optimal effect, there are a few things to consider, as there are different forms of the oil available for purchase. The oil is available both as cold-pressed and refined, and it is important to select the right oil for the respective recipe.
Cold-pressed oil is the most flavorful and has the most health benefits, but it can be more expensive than the refined variant. Refined oil is less expensive and can be used for a variety of recipes.
The oil has a high smoke point and is therefore well suited for sautéing and frying. If a milder flavor is desired, a few drops of the oil can be added to salad dressings or marinades.
It can also be used to enhance dishes, meaning it can be drizzled over food before serving. This gives your food a nutty flavor and a nice color. It can also be used as a cooking oil, for example as an accompaniment to bread or other baked goods.
Borage oil can also be used for a delicious herbal tea. Simply pour a few teaspoons of the oil into boiling water and enjoy the warm beverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
The oil is rather rare and can only be found occasionally in well-stocked health food stores. It is easy to buy it in online shops like VITALOVE. These offer the oil in high-quality and are known for fast shipping.
Borage oil is an oil obtained from the seeds of the borage plant, which is also known as starflower. The plant originally comes from the Mediterranean region but is now also commercially cultivated in other parts of the world, such as Western Europe and North America.
Borage oil is a rich source of GLA and has numerous health benefits, making it a popular dietary supplement. However, it should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people taking certain medications.
Borage oil can enhance various cold dishes and provide them with an extra dose of omega-6 fatty acids. It is also available in capsule form for oral intake. It is sometimes used externally as well, either as an oil or in creams and lotions.
Borage is a hardy and easy-to-cultivate plant that provides a rich harvest of edible flowers and leaves throughout the summer. It prefers full sun, plenty of water and fertilizer, and needs to be harvested regularly.
The oil naturally has a high GLA content and is a healthy source of omega-6 fatty acids. It is cold-pressed and therefore retains its beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants and minerals.
