Borage is an herb that has long been used in traditional medicine.
It's also available in supplement form and can be taken regularly to stay fit and active.
Here's more!
Also known as starflower, borage belongs to the family of Boraginaceae, and is widely used to prepare sauces, salads, etc. It bears oval-shaped leaves, star-shaped flowers in clusters, and small seeds. Also, it boasts a salty flavor and a cucumber-like odor.
Borage is now cultivated all over the world, and for good reason. It has an abundance of iron, zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, selenium, protein, fiber, sodium, potassium, folate, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, and more.
Hence, it offers numerous benefits to your health. Also, as some studies have found, it can trigger certain issues in the long run as well.
Health Benefits of Borage
It has lots of powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it's beneficial for people with chronic inflammation.
It contains a good amount of linoleic acids which help aid in immunity, skin health, and joint health.
It contains high amounts of beta-carotene which gets converted into vitamin A in your body. This vitamin protects your eyes from damage and also aids in your eyes' overall functioning.
It contains B vitamins which help promote the functioning of your brain's neurological tissues. It aids the cognitive skills, and also reduces your risk of Alzheimer's to some extent.
It contains vitamin C which helps stimulate white blood cell production, which is crucial for maintaining the functioning of your immune system. It also promotes collagen synthesis, which further improves your skin and hair health.
It contains dietary fiber which increases HDL cholesterol levels and helps lower LDL cholesterol levels in your blood. Also, it helps regulate your blood pressure levels to some extent. Both aid in the functioning of your heart, reducing the risk of numerous cardiovascular disorders.
Besides, it also treats asthma, improves the symptoms of arthritis, and more.
Side Effects of Borage
Borage's excessive intake can trigger some health issues, most of which can become critical if left untreated.
It contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can damage the liver, leading to numerous liver diseases in no time.
It can negatively affect the functions of the digestive system and lead to many issues including diarrhea, cramps, stomach pain, etc.
It can trigger allergies in some people. The common symptoms include dizziness, skin rashes, itchiness of the skin, runny nose, throat swelling, difficulty breathing, and more.
Hence, do consult with a doctor before you take borage.
