Most Echium will take two or three years from seed to flowering. Sow seed and pot on plants each year for a display of flowers every summer. Echium differ greatly in size. E. pininana and E. ‘Pink Fountain’ can exceed 4m (13ft) in height, whereas E. vulgare reaches about 50cm (20in). Many of the shrubby species reach about 1.5m (5ft) Dr. Nina Bailey is a nutritional scientist whose efforts are concentrated within the role of dietary health and nutritional intervention in disease, with particular emphasis being placed upon the role of essential fatty acids in conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome and depression. Dr. Bailey received her PhD in Cell Biology from Cambridge University. Her doctoral research was conducted under the supervision of Prof. Sheila Bingham at the Dunn Human Nutrition Unit, Cambridge. Nina has published papers with the British Nutrition Foundation and with the trade magazine Network Health Dietician. Keep in mind that the borage plant also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are compounds that can be toxic to the liver and may contribute to cancer growth ( 16). Omega fatty acids refer to a class of fat that we need to include in our diets to avoid becoming deficient. While our bodies can manufacture certain types of fat, we do not have the ability to make them all. However, the term ‘omega fats’ should really be clarified; they are the name of a family of fat or ‘fatty acids’ of which there are many types, each with specific functions, but some having quite different and more important functions than others. There are two main types of omega fatty acids, both plant oil derived polyunsaturated fats: LA (the parent omega-6 fatty acid) and ALA (the parent omega-3 fatty acid). Humans are able to convert LA and ALA to more physiologically active fatty acids through a series of reactions – DGLA and AA from the omega-6 series, and EPA and DHA, from the omega-3 series. These important long-chain fatty acids are necessary for the formation of healthy cell membranes, but also for the proper development and functioning of the brain and nervous system, and for the production of hormone-like substances which regulate numerous body functions including blood pressure, immune and inflammatory responses.

Borage supplements may be associated with mild side effects, including digestive issues like gas, bloating, and indigestion ( 14).

Omega-3 in vegetables

As with all Omega-3 fatty acids, DHA’s also been linked with improved heart health and vision and reduced inflammation. Another review of 13 studies turned up mixed results regarding the effectiveness of borage oil for atopic dermatitis, but it noted that the majority of studies showed it may be somewhat beneficial for treating its symptoms ( 13).

If you buy a container-grown plant during the summer, plant it as soon as possible and water it thoroughly Unlike flaxseed oil, echium seed oil, derived from the seed of the plant Echium Plantagineum, provides a rich source of omega-3 SDA and compares favourably with dietary EPA in side-by-side experiments. Furthermore, SDA itself is known to beneficial for ensuring healthy immune and inflammatory systems, and echium seed oil as a source of SDA also appears to possess beneficial effects on the risk factors of coronary heart disease in a similar way to conventional fish oils. Echium oil also contains other beneficial fatty acids, including the potent anti-inflammatory omega-6 gamma linolenic acid (GLA), as well as the omega-9 oleic acid, known for its cardioprotective properties. According to research SDA in combination with GLA raises red blood cell EPA levels more efficiently than SDA alone, suggesting that echium seed oil may be the ideal nutritional supplement for those who are vegetarian, vegan or allergic to fish, to help boost the levels of important omega-3s in the diet. Finally, if you’re taking any medications or have underlying health conditions, be sure to talk to a healthcare professional before taking the supplement. summaryIn some countries Echium extract has been used as cure for various diseases and is believed to have beneficial properties. Echium are often bought as seeds. See the propagation section below for more details on growing from seed It’s one of the main three forms of Omega-3 and is essential for brain development during pregnancy and early childhood. Women who are breastfeeding are encouraged to continue taking 200mg to 300mg of DHA a day, Most infant formulas also contain DHA too. 3

Especially EPA and DHA (two of the three main forms of Omega-3) that protect the heart and blood vessels from disease Another 12-week study in 43 children found that taking a supplement containing borage oil, along with a blend of other ingredients like fish oil, vitamins, and minerals, decreased inflammation and symptoms of asthma ( 10).

Therefore, getting EPA and DHA from food, and dietary supplements, is the most practical way to increase how much Omega-3 you have in your system and make sure you’re getting enough of it every day. Their hardiness varies considerably depending upon which species you choose to grow. E. vulgare are reliably hardy throughout the UK. Others like E. wildpretii can be grown outside in mild areas with free-draining soil Many species are used as ornamental and garden plants and may be found in suitable climates throughout the world. [6] In Crete, Echium italicum is called pateroi (πάτεροι) or voidoglosses (βοϊδόγλωσσες) and its tender shoots are eaten boiled or steamed. [7] Echium grow well in full sun on free-draining soil. If your soil is prone to waterlogging, or you live in a cold area, grow Echium in containers so they can be moved to a sheltered position

But if you happen to be following a plant-based diet, or simply don’t enjoy eating oily fish, it’s important to know where you can find your best vegan Omega 3 sources. Keep reading for all the details… What is Omega -3? Self-seeded Echium can be left to continue growing where they have germinated, but may need some winter protection There are three main Omega-3 fatty acids - alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Latin genus name Echium comes from the Greek ἔχιον echion, referring to Echium plantagineum [4] and itself deriving from ἔχις echis ( viper); the Greek term dates to Dioscorides, who noted a resemblance between the shape of the nutlets and a viper's head. [5] The genus Echium was published by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. In rare cases, taking high doses of borage oil has been shown to cause more serious side effects, including seizures ( 15).

DHA vegan

Although vegetarian diets are generally lower in total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than non-vegetarian diets, omega-6 intakes are significantly higher in vegans and vegetarians than in meat eaters. Because the consumption of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (found mainly in fish but also in eggs – in small quantities) is low in vegetarian populations and absent in vegans, levels of EPA and DHA in body stores are significantly decreased. Indeed, people who don’t eat fish are dependent on the successful conversion of the parent fatty acid ALA to EPA and DHA. The first step in the pathway that converts ALA to EPA and DHA is via the enzyme delta-6-desaturase, however this step is relatively inefficient and If this enzyme is impaired for any reason (the significant factors are: old age, stress, diabetes, the consumption of alcohol, caffeine and diets high in saturated fats, also viral infections) and intake of omega-6 is high, then the rate of conversion of parent omega-3 to long-chain omega-3 may be inadequate for normal and healthy function. In one study, consuming capsules containing borage oil and echium seed oil daily for 3 weeks decreased levels of inflammation in 37 people with mild asthma ( 2). But when it comes to measuring Omega-3 levels, the likelihood of having lower EPA and DHA levels among vegans is, on average, higher. Water after planting to help your plants establish (get their roots down into the soil). Once established they are fairly drought tolerant and should not require frequent watering. However, on very free-draining soil or during prolonged hot dry spells, they may need additional water to support healthy growth. Aim to keep the soil slightly moist, but not soggy. Echium do not like to sit in wet soil, so there can be a risk of overwatering. Too much water could be a problem in colder months when the plant is not actively growing. A shelter to keep the soil around the Echium dry might be necessary in wet winters.