Since time immemorial, emu oil has been used by native Australians to treat all manner of ailments. Today, the oil is better refined and there are more studies available. There is a long list of ailments that the oil is used as a remedy for. There are also many myths that surround this oil. In this post, we will be looking at common myths about emu blue and exposing them.
Myth 1: The fatty acids in emu oil are bad
Most people believe that all oils contain bad cholesterol. That is why this myth is still believed by many people. The truth is, emu blue contains Omega 3 fatty acids. These have been proven to reduce cholesterol as well as plaque build-up in the arteries. The fatty acids in emu oil are essential for promoting a healthy heart. They further reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. They have also been found to treat anxiety and depression.
Myth 2: Large amounts of emu oil cause diarrhea
While it is true that large amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids can cause diarrhea, when the emu oil is applied topically, it will not interfere with digestion. Just like all medications, before you start using emu oils orally, you need to learn more about the product. It is always wise to talk to your doctor before you start using this product.
Myth 3: Emu oil is the same as ostrich oil
Although both the ostrich and emu oil are flightless birds, the oil extracted from their fat is not the same. Emus do not look like ostriches. The only similarities are both birds belong to the ratite species and their oil can be used to treat inflammation and accelerate the healing of wounds. The difference is that emu oil contains more Oleic acid (Omega-3) while ostrich oil is rich in Linoleic (Omega-6) and Linolenic acid (Omega-3). Emu oils also offer more protection against free radicals and contain less saturated fats. As you can see, you will not get the same benefits from ostrich and emu oils.
Myth 4: Emu oil doesn’t penetrate the dermis
One of the key reasons emu oils are used to treat arthritis is because of their remarkable ability to penetrate the dermis. Clinical studies have found that the oil helps awaken dormant hair follicles. These are found in the dermis which is the bottom two layers of the skin. The triglycerides contained in the oil create a protective layer on the skin surface. This helps reduce water loss. Studies have also found that emu oil helps topical medications and cosmetic ingredients to penetrate deep through the skin layers.
Myth 5: Emu oil is a replacement for sunscreen
It has not yet been proven that emu oil contains an SPF of 8. Even if it did, you need an SPF of 30 in order to block 97% of UV rays from getting on the skin. You can, however, combine emu blue with sunscreen.