Arachidonic acid is an omega-6 oil that can increase production of the series 2 prostaglandins and the series 4 leukotrienes, both of which have proinflammatory effects. Arachidonic acid is present in high amounts in the typical Western diet which explains the proinflammatory effects of the diet. One way to counter this inflammation is to reduce the intake of arachidonic acid, and this can be achieved through switching to a higher quality diet such as the Mediterranean diet. Another way to counter this effect is to increase intake of borage oil which is high in dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, C20:3 (n-6)), which is able to increase production of the series 1 prostaglandins which are anti-inflammatory in effect. In addition, DGLA can block the formation of series 4 leukotrienes from arachidonic acid through production of a 15-hydroxyl derivative. In this way, DGLA has a significant anti-inflammatory effect and this can be significantly beneficial to those with inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
