It also typically contains Linoleic (LNA) and Alpha-linolenic (ALA) acids Omega 3, as well as (Oleic acid) Omega 9. It’s richer in EFA’s than Flax seed oil or other seed oils. Compared with most nuts and seeds, the 30% fat content is relatively low and it also boasts zero cholesterol levels. The protein content is better than that found in nuts, and compares to that of soya beans, other seeds, dairy, meat, fish or poultry, making it an excellent supplement for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The Perfect Fat Ratio
The anti-inflammatory effects of both omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been demonstrated in many studies, in particular in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. However this only occurs when these fats are consumed in roughly similar amounts, such as what is found in hemp oil. What is particularly interesting about hemp oil is that the ratio of Omega-6 to omega-3 fat is 3:1 and GLA, the ratio that is generally recognized by the World Health Organization as being ideal for optimum health.

GLA
There is a good indication that a diet that is too heavily weighted toward omega-6 fat can negate the positive health benefits of essential fat intake. In general, North Americans have a high dietary deficiency in EFAs due to out high intake of animal fats versus plant fats, caused by the high consumption of processed foods and meats versus natural organic foods.

While Omega-6 intake in general is quite high among the general population due to a high consumption animal fats and vegetable oils, there is one omega-6 fat that is relatively rare in our food system – that being gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Hemp oil is one of the other few sources of this metabolite of linoleic acid), others being Borage oil, Spirulina, Black currant and Evening Primrose oils.

Daily intake of hemp oil can help ensure your fat intake is closer to what nature intended. Hemp seed oil is said to be the most unsaturated oil derived from plants, making it an ideal alternative source of EFAs:

• For those who cannot tolerate flax seed oil
• Or in light of the concerns raised on toxic contamination of oils derived from fish sources
• Or due to the concerns about adverse effects on expectant mothers of fish oil derived from some fish species
• For Vegans

Consultation with a Naturopath, knowledgeable in Hemp Seed oil is always advisable if in doubt.

COMPONENTS PRESENT IN HEMP SEED OIL
Omega 3 - 19%
Omega 6 - 57%
Omega 9 - 12%
Vitamins - A1, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E
POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, CHLOROPHYLL, MAGNESIUM and small percentages of IRON, PHOSPHORUS and ZINC

The Role of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) in the Human Body
Essential fatty acids perform a range of important roles in the human body. Since the body cannot produce them we must obtain these from various food sources. The human body uses fatty acids from food for building tissues and for specialised functions such as the production of prostaglandins and localised tissue hormones. EFA’s are needed for normal brain function, growth and development, bone health, stimulation of skin and hair growth, regulation of metabolism, and maintenance of reproductive processes. EFA’s are polyunsaturated that are included in two major groups - Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an essential fatty acid (EFA) in the omega-6 family. Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for brain development and brain function and particularly important for building attention and concentration in children.

Cardiovascular, Blood Pressure, Kidney and Gallbladder
Omega-3 oils have been shown in hundreds of studies to lower Triglycerides and improve Cholesterol profiles - they are also effective in decreasing blood pressure, platelet stickiness and fibrinogen levels. Numerous studies have shown that the substitution of polyunsaturated fats (the good fats) for saturated fats can reduce the risk of sudden cardiac arrest and high blood Cholesterol levels. Research has found that for every 1% increase in Omega-3, there was a 5mm Hg decrease in systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, poor blood circulation, and cardiovascular disease as well as liver and kidney. People with gallbladder problems are able to absorb Hemp Seed oil where they could not digest other oils essential to our wellbeing.

Physical Performance
Omega-3 fatty acids help support the cardiovascular system during exercise and also reduce the negative effect of intense exercise on the immune system. These fatty acids are used by the body to form prostaglandins which help muscles to contract, regulate stomach acid and body temperature and aids in fat transport and metabolism. EFAs convert lactic acid (often responsible for aching muscles during heavy exercise) to harmless water and carbon dioxide.

Skin Health
Hemp seed oil provides EFAs necessary for maintaining health and flexible skin cell membranes with superb anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti microbial and anti yeast properties. It also contains properties to counter UV damage. The 9 amino acids, Omega 3 and 6 are essential in regulation of water loss through the epidermis, repairing, rebuilding and recovery of distressed skin by replenishing missing oils due to UV exposure, poor nutrition or other abuse and preventing cell loss. It is rapidly absorbed into the pores of the skin when applied and EFA’s have proven to be beneficial in rejuvenating and revitalizing dry and flaky skin, thus causing a younger looking skin. Omega-6 (LA) helps protect against acne, is helpful for skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne, Itchy skin and Dermatitis. EFA’s also stimulate hair growth and prevent against hair loss.

Anti-Inflammation and Allergies
Omega-3 helps produce PG3 (prostaglandin 3 series), the natural anti-inflammatory chemicals that work as local hormones in the human body that makes them useful for people with arthritis. Numerous studies show that EFAs and GLA have positive results in the treatment of many chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders and conditions such as Lupus and Ulcerative Colitis.

Some studies have shown that GLA may help in reduce asthma and periodontitis by limiting the inflammatory process. The human body converts GLA into prostaglandins, which are hormone-like compounds that help to regulate inflammation.

Hormonal Balance
Hemp seed containing GLA and magnesium-rich chlorophyll, both of which are beneficial in helping with PMS conditions including breast tenderness, bloating, cramping, improving blood circulation, reducing painful muscular tension, irritability and other discomforts. GLA is needed of metabolism, and maintenance of the reproductive processes.

Pre-term infants, newly born babies, pregnant and nursing mothers
Benefit from the nutritious values of the ALA, GLA, DHA and EFA contained in hemp seed oil. EFAs are needed for normal brain function, growth and development and bone health by promoting growth and neurodevelopment in pre term infants.

(Health Canada recommends that pregnant and lactating women increase their omega-3 intake as found in the equivalent of approximately 1 tablespoon of hemp oil per day)

Anti - Arthritis
Key fatty acids found in hemp seed oil provide long-term support and maintenance of arthritic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect that makes them useful for people with arthritis and autoimmune disorders and for bone health.

Metabolism, Nerve and Brain Function
The Omega-3 fatty acids help nerve cells communicate with each other, which is an essential step in maintaining good mental health and alleviate stress. Stress being one of the main causes of acne. Essential fatty acids like GLA are necessary for the health and proper functioning of the nervous system and helpful in treating Alzheimer’s disease. EFA’s work with oxygen and enhance electron transport, the vital activities in energy output within the cell as well as enhancing nerve cell insulation. Omega-3 and Omega-6, present in the correct proportion in Hempseed oil plays a key role in normal brain function and nerve cell development making them extremely necessary for children. They also improve the behaviour and the attention span of teens with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) says English researchers. In University of South Australia study, concurred by Scandinavian Psychiatrists, approximately 30 to 50 percent of the children had shown strong positive treatment effects on the core ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity impulsivity.

Immunity
EFAs enhance immune function, speed up the rate of immune reactions, helps to re-establish population control over intestinal bacteria and improve cellular energy for removing waste materials.

Increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment
For example, GLA may enhance the ability of medications used to kill off cancerous cells in the treatment of breast cancer. In addition, GLA in itself may help prevent certain cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation.

Nutritional Oil Composition Comparison

NUTRITIONAL ANALYSIS

Environmental benefits
Choosing hemp oil is a wise choice not only for your wellbeing but also for the environment. It is a hardy plant, hemp that requires less water than many crops. With short growing cycle, hemp is ideal for farmers using crop rotation to help prevent soil depletion. It reduces the carbon footprint, helps the soil, and has the ability to grow without the need for pesticides and herbicides. For those worried about GM crops, hemp oil is never genetically modified.

Why Cold Pressing?
This extraction process ensures there is no exposure to light, with temperatures remaining below 40°C. The oil is made in an oxygen-free environment. These three factors ensure prolonged freshness, without any loss of the oils’ nutritional value.

Cold Pressing seeds to extract oils is regarded as the principal method of extracting oils without damaging them. Other methods of oil extraction expose the oil to heat and solvents, which can damage the 'health-giving' properties of oils.

By using this 'cold pressing' extraction method throughout the production process there is no de-naturing of the oils nutritional value.

100% fresh and 100% natural.

Important Hemp Seed oil tips on purchasing and usage and storage
Always buy hemp oil in a dark bottle.

To ensure optimal quality choose hemp oil that contains no artificial additives and is produced using cold pressed expeller methods.

To keep fresh store hemp oil in a cool, (e.g. refrigerator) dry place away from light. Shelf life usually 12 months and will not go rancid and will store longer when refrigerated. It will not solidify in the freezer either.

It is important that you do not cook with hemp oil. While it can be used on hot food, high heat destroys the nutrients.

To ensure optimal quality choose hemp oil that is produced using cold/expeller pressed methods, and that contains no artificial additives.

In countries where consumption is permitted, Hemp oil can be drizzled onto salad dressings, fried eggs, used as a bread dip or mixed in smoothies, used in yogurt or even mixed in ice-cream.

Enhances the flavour when mashed in with Avocado and a touch of salt and used as a dip.

Research References
Extracted from Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kuopio, FIN-70211 Kuopio, Finland vol 140, Numbers 1-2 The Composition of Hemp seed Oil and Its Potential as an Important Source of Nutrition - Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medical Foods Vol 2(4)2000 USA, and from various University research sources.

Article by Mathew Kadey, MSc., R Dietitian/Writer Waterloo, Canada

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