What Is Ahiflower?

Ahiflower, also known as “Buglossoides arvensis refined oil,” is a plant-based dietary oil extracted from the seeds of a non-GMO crop of the same name. It provides a complete and balanced omega profile of the most bioavailable omega complex, making Ahiflower unique among natural plant sources. In addition to its unique omega profile, it is also a regeneratively grown ingredient with proven health benefits [1-3]. Interested in learning more? Read on to find out all about this Ahiflower!

Omega complex profile

As you may already know, omega-3 and omega-6 are groups of fatty acids that are essential for cellular function and must be obtained from your diet in the proper balance. However, the common Western diet is characterized by an imbalance in omegas: we consume too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 [4]. Over time, this contributes to putting the body in a pro-inflammatory state linked to a number of chronic health problems. Part of the resolution of this problem occurs when we change our omega intake ratio by increasing 3 while decreasing 6. The most conventional way to do this is by consuming marine products such as fish or krill oil supplements. While this can help replenish your omega-3 levels, it also contributes to larger environmental problems such as overfishing. The ideal situation would be to support your health and the planet at the same time. That’s exactly where Ahiflower oil comes in handy! [1,4–6]

Omega 3

Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely important for human health due to their cell-supporting, anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is an essential omega-3 fatty acid that we need to get from our diet. Two other well-studied omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), for which adequate intake is linked to a positive influence on cardiovascular and immune functions. EPA and DHA are primarily consumed through marine sources such as anchovies, sardines, and mackerel, which may be good for us, but not for the planet. Fortunately, our bodies help us with a truly sustainable solution. After consuming ALA, the body itself converts it into EPA and DHA. Many vegetable oils contain ALA, as does Ahiflower. Unlike other plant-based ALA sources like flaxseed or chia seed oil, Ahiflower also contains a lesser-known but crucial omega-3 fatty acid: stearidonic acid (SDA). The body also converts SDA into EPA and DHA, but this conversion is up to 4 times more efficient. Goodbye fatty fish, hello Ahiflower! [1,4–7]

Omega 6

Omega-6 fatty acids, particularly the most common form of linoleic acid (LA), are also essential in a healthy diet. Unlike omega-3s, excessive consumption of them, out of balance with the essential omega-3 fatty acids, has an overall pro-inflammatory effect on the body. This is especially true when we consume excess oils high in LA through fried foods and other highly processed foods that contain little to no omega-3s. To their credit, high-LA oils like sunflower and safflower oils do increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). But again, balance is the key. While Ahiflower oil does contain some LA (~12%), it is much less predominant than the omega-3s ALA and SDA (~65%). Nutritionists routinely state that the ideal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio to consume daily is 4:1, which is exactly the ratio in Ahiflower. As an added bonus, Ahiflower is one of the few dietary oils that also contains omega-6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in significant amounts. GLA is widely recognized as the “good” omega-6 fatty acid because its overall effect is anti-inflammatory, for example on skin health, hormonal balance, and women’s reproductive health. Higher levels of GLA are therefore better than sources containing only LA. By balancing the essential fatty acids ALA and LA in the right ratio, while also providing the richest levels of SDA and GLA, Ahiflower clearly stands out for everyday wellness. [1,3,4,6]

Omega 9

Omega-9 fatty acids are less essential in our diet because we can perfectly prepare them ourselves. However, consuming them in this form is linked to potential metabolic health benefits. And guess what? Ahiflower has you covered here too, by containing it in the form of oleic acid. [2,3,5–7]

Human clinical trial on a flower

While the unique omega-3-6-9 fatty acid composition of Ahiflower oil is indeed promising, seeing is believing. So, we dove deep into the available research on Ahiflower, and guess what? In 2017, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 40 healthy individuals. This trial showed a significant increase in subjects’ circulating EPA levels after 28 days, starting at low doses. This effect was shown to be dose-dependent as EPA values ​​increased significantly at higher doses. Isn’t it great when theory becomes reality? [8]

Sustainability

The increased demand for omega-3 fatty acids is being met by increased harvesting of wild marine forage fish. Every year, around 25 million tons of wild fish are harvested and processed into oil. By using Ahiflower, your omega nutritional needs can be fully met without the side effects of fish and you are helping to reduce the pressure on wild marine populations in the oceans. [2,3]

Ahiflower and Jimmy Joy

After reading this article, it probably comes as no surprise that we are all about using this ingredient. It gives you the right ratio of omega-3 to -6 and has one of the most complex and naturally balanced omega ratios in the seed oil world. As the cherry on top, it is also sustainable for the planet as no marine sources have been touched and the Ahiflower crop is grown regeneratively, meaning its farmers put more back into the soil to support rural biodiversity than they take out. As you probably can’t wait to supplement this into your diet, Plenny Shake Active now contains Ahiflower! You can click here to make your purchase and benefit from all of its healthy fats.

Sources

1. Cumberford G, Hebard A. Ahiflower oil: A novel non-GM plant-based omega-3 + 6 source. Lipid Technol. 2015; 27 (9): 207–10.

2. ahiflower [Internet]. a flower. [accessed 1 September 2020]. Available at: https://www.ahiflower.com

3. Scientific opinion on the safety of refined Buglossoides oil as a novel food ingredient. EFSA J. 2015; 13 (2): 4029.

4. DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH. Importance of maintaining a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio to reduce inflammation. Open Heart [Internet]. 2018 Nov 26 [accessed 2020 Aug 28]; 5(2). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6269634/

5. Balić A, Vlašić D, Žužul K, Marinović B, Bukvić Mokos Z. Omega-3 versus Omega-6 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Prevention and Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2020 Jan 23 [accessed 2020 Aug 28]; 21(3). Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7037798/

6. Boston 677 Huntington Avenue, Ma 02115 +1495‑1000. Types of Fat [Internet]. The Nutrition Source. 2014 [accessed April 9, 2020]. Available from: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/types-of-fat/

7. Simopoulos AP. The importance of the omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acid ratio. Biomed Pharmacother Biomedecine Pharmacother. 2002 Oct;56(8):365–79.

8. Lefort N, LeBlanc R, Giroux MA, Surette ME. Buglossoides arvensis seed oil consumption is safe and increases tissue long-chain n-3 fatty acid content more than flax seed oil: results of a phase I randomized clinical trial. J Nutr Sci [Internet]. 8 Jan 2016 [accessed 2 Sep 2020]; 5. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4709838/