New study shows Ahiflower demonstrates similar efficacy to fish oil in joint health

A study by the University of Moncton, Canada, has shown the British-grown Ahiflower (Buglossoides arvensis), once considered a hedgerow weed, is able to provide similar efficacy as fish oils in reducing symptoms of arthritis; such as joint pain, swelling and the reduction of inflammatory markers.

The trial set out to determine the impacts of different polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) enriched diets in animals, and how PUFA supplements affected the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Different groups of mice with induced rheumatoid arthritis were given a standard western diet, or supplemented with either ahiflower or fish oil. 

The investigators then observed the effects of diet on inflammatory markers, platelets, platelet microvesicles, ankle thickness and cytokine release.

Although diets with supplemental PUFAs didn’t prevent arthritis, ankle swelling was significantly reduced. This was seen across both the fish-oil and ahiflower oil groups, showing that ahiflower oil was able to have a similar beneficial impact to fish oils.

Naturally wild and now agriculturally grown, British Ahiflower contains a full spectrum of healthy fats such as ALA Omega-3, SDA Omega-3, and GLA Omega-6 fatty acids. Each bloom of the Ahiflower produces up to four seeds which are then pressed to produce an Omega-rich healthy oil with a higher quality and quantity of Omegas than any other seed oil ever produced.

Ahiflower is the greenest, cleanest, most complete and balanced omega source.

Each acre of ahiflower produces as much omega-rich oil as 320,000 anchovies

Wiley’s Finest is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of ahiflower oil products, with its CatchFree Omega derived from ahiflower and marine algae. 

Two capsules of CatchFree Omega combine over 700 mg of fish-free Omega-3s, including 500 mg DHA Omega-3, 25 ug of Vitamin K2, and 25 ug of Vitamin D3 for heart and brain health and overall health and wellness.

• Ahiflower oil has up to four times more effective omega-3s than flax

• Ahiflower is a regenerative crop – meaning it gives more back to the soil than it takes out

• It is an excellent flower for pollinators – bees and butterflies etc.

• 80% of people do not get enough omegas from their diets

• Every cell in your body contains and needs omega 3s + 6

Paul Farquhar, managing director of Wiley’s Finest UK said: “We have long-known the multiple benefits of ahiflower for people on a vegan or vegetarian diet and are proud of our complex yet potent plant-based formula. To know that our CatchFree oil can assist people with chronic symptoms is highly rewarding.”

Alexa Mullane is a Nutritional Therapist and Nutritional Advisor to Wiley’s Finest and says: “It is great news to see yet another study that shows plant-based alternatives can provide significant health benefits. Omega-3s are an essential part of our daily health routine as they are crucial for brain, heart, eye, and reproductive health. They optimise our brain function; improving focus, IQ and memory. They also have anti-inflammatory effects and have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia. Yet studies show most of the UK population, and especially vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians are deficient in Omega-3s. In addition, the majority of the UK population don’t eat enough oily fish each week as the government recommends.” 

Vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians are commonly deficient in the essential nutrient, omega-3. DHA omega-3 is crucial for brain, heart, eye, and reproductive health. Doctors recommend consuming 250-500 mg per day. Even vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy foods, their intake is, on average, only 20 mg DHA per day compared to the suggested. A large population study in vegetarians reported that more than half of the subjects consumed no DHA at all. 

Angela M. Laevski, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, commented: “Our study provides insight into the contribution of PUFA supplementation in modulating the pro-inflammatory phenotype of platelets in RA pathology. As well as this, it suggests that low concentrations of dietary ahi flower oil may have a similar anti-inflammatory potential to that of dietary fish oil.”

About Wiley’s Finest CatchFree Omega

Vegan Wiley’s Finest CatchFree contains ahiflower oil which is the richest naturally occurring source of stearidonic acid (SDA) and an excellent source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).

SDA is like nature’s shortcut to better EPA conversion in the body. SDA is a significant “omega booster” for those on plant-based diets who can’t get EPA directly through consumption. Plus, ahiflower oil’s abundant SDA converts even better than other more typical vegan omega options such as ALA from flax seeds.

CatchFree softgels combine over 700 mg of fish-free Omega-3s, including 500 mg DHA Omega-3, 25 ug of Vitamin K2, and 25 ug of Vitamin D3

€39.50 for 60 caps (1 month’s supply). Available from health shops, pharmacists and online with free delivery. wileysfinest.co.uk