Hemp Seed Oil and the Essential Fatty Acids

 

Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) and Linoleic Acid (LA) were discovered in 1923 and nicknamed ‘Vitamin F.' However, further research made it clear that Alpha Linoleic Acid (ALA) and Linoleic Acid (LA) are actually fatty acids.

ALA (omega-3) and LA (omega-6) are the only fatty acids that are essential for the human body to get from outside sources. Meaning, we cannot synthesize them - much like Vitamin C, for example.

We call a nutrient essential when it is an absolute must to obtain from your diet for normal, healthy physiological function.

Mother Nature made hemp even more of a wonder-plant by including these essential fatty acids (EFA’s) into its composition. Also, they exist in exact quantities that are ideal for human consumption.

Many of us have heard of the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.), but do we understand the serious consequences of this average way of eating? On the S.A.D., it is not unusual to consume omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a 1:15, or even 1:20 ratio - if not more!

Studies show that somewhere between a 1:1 and 1:4 ratio of 3/6 is where people experience the most health benefits. Let’s take a look at the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratios in some popular foods:

• Cashews:                      1:125

• Hazelnuts:                     1:90

• Pecans:                         1:20

• Pistachios:                     1:52

• Sunflower Seeds:           1:312

• Almonds:                       1:2010

• Peanuts:                        1:5320

• Hemp Seeds/Oil:          1:3

• Walnuts:                        1:17

• Grain-fed Beef:               1:10

• Tomatoes:                      1:27

• Carrots:                         1:58

• Parsley:                         1:14

• Chickpeas:                     1:26

• Soybeans:                      1:8

• Palm Oil:                        1:45

• Olive Oil:                        1:13

• Grape Seed Oil:               1:696

• Avocado Oil:                    1:13

• Butter:                            1:9

• Corn Oil:                         1:46

The oil contained in the hemp seed is 75-80% polyunsaturated fatty acids (the good fats) and only 9-11% of the lesser desired saturated fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is reputed to be the most unsaturated oil derived from the plant kingdom. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in hemp seed oil are required in our diet more than any other vitamin, yet our bodies do not naturally produce them. They must be obtained from external sources in the food we eat. EFAs are involved with producing life's energy throughout the human body and without them, life is not possible. In general, North Americans have a high dietary deficiency in EFAs due to out high intake of animal fats versus plant fats, caused by our high consumption of processed foods and meats versus natural organic foods.

Hemp seed oil has been dubbed "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil", due to the fact that it contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic/ LNA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition. In addition, it also contains smaller amounts of 3 other polyunsaturated fatty acids in Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid. This EFA combination is unique among edible oil seeds. (see nutritional composition )

Extensive studies have demonstrated that many common illnesses are related to deficiencies or imbalances of specific fatty acids in the body. Symptoms are often related to a lack of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and their derivatives, the postaglandins. Most people eating a healthful diet, one that includes a balanced ratio of essential fatty acids, also have healthy skin and a strong immune system.

Yet some individuals may experience shortages in specific fatty acids or their metabolites due to dysfunctional enzyme systems or other inhibitions in their metabolic pathways caused by genetic, immune-system-related, or even environmental factors. It has been proven in several clinical studies that dietary supplementation with EFAs or their metabolites (such as GLA) will often prevent or even cure these illnesses. Since hemp seed oil contains both EFAs in a desirable balance while also providing two of the EFA metabolites, it is a good resource for the prevention and treatment of certain illnesses.

Hemp seed oil also provides an adequate supply of antioxidants (Vitamin E), carotene (precursor to Vitamin A), phytosterols, phospholipids and a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, along with modest amounts of iron and zinc. Hemp seed oil also provides a good source of chlorophyll. The daily recommended allowance of hemp seed oil is 14-28 ml (1 to 2 tablespoons). This allowance provides between 8 and 16 grams of Omega 6 (LA) and between 3 and 6 grams of Omega 3 (LNA). And lastly, unlike other Omega-rich alternatives (flax, evening primrose, borage or fish oils) that are sold mainly as a vitamin supplement, hemp seed, hemp oil and hulled hemp seed all have a flavorful "nutty" taste that will create consumer demand and can easily be added into most any recipe to obtain a balanced diet!

Caution: Highly unsaturated vegetable oils such as Hemp Seed Oil are denatured by heating above 150ºC (300ºF), which can result in the production of unhealthy trans-fatty acids and increased peroxide values. Use Hemp Seed Oil as a flavor-enhancer in many recipes. Do not use as a substitute for frying oils. Keep bottles tightly sealed after opening and store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Hemp seeds and hemp seed oil are exceptional in their ability to offer a near-perfect ratio of essential fatty acids for the human body.

When eating hemp in any form, you can rest assured you are giving your body what it needs for top-notch functioning. Not to mention, hemp contains all the essential amino acids in an easy-to-digest form (as well as building blocks for antibody production).

Eating hemp seeds alone may not be enough for many who find themselves to be consuming a massive amount of omega-6 fatty acids. You may find it necessary to focus on consuming omega-3 rich foods. Here are some examples of what those are:

• Wild Atlantic Salmon:          12:1

• Tuna (canned in water):      31:1

• Lobster:                             20:1

• Chia:                                   3:1

• Flax Seeds:                          4:1

• Cod Liver Oil:                     21:1

• Spinach:                              5:1

• Grass-Fed Beef:                    2:1

Ingesting the correct balance of fatty acids is equally crucial as consuming enough of these vital nutrients. The reason for this is that ALA and LA compete for metabolism with the same enzyme (delta-6 desaturase). Taking in too much LA will overwhelm this metabolic pathway and leave ALA underutilized - leading to a multitude of other health maladies.

The recommended daily intake levels for linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are:

• Linoleic Acid (LA): The Adequate Intake (AI) levels for LA are 12 grams per day for women and 17 grams per day for men aged 19-50 years, as reported by the dietary reference intakes. However, there is no specific recommended daily allowance (RDA) established for LA due to a lack of information on the amount required to correct symptoms of omega-6 PUFA deficiency.

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA): The recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for ALA is 1.6 grams per day for men and 1.1 grams per day for women. Additionally, health organizations suggest a minimum intake of 250 mg and a maximum of 4,000 mg (combined EPA and DHA) per day, unless instructed otherwise by a health professional.

from the blog at anandaprofessional.com and hempbasics.com