Friday fat facts – Hemp oil

Hemp oil and flax oil share a common history. Two of the oldest known plants to be grown by humanity, they were both cultivated for their fiber and for the nutrients contained in their seeds. It may sound strange but in both cases the fiber from these seeds was used to make fabric – linen from flax and canvas from hemp. But they also contain fiber that can be ingested for good health. The seeds and oils of flax and hemp provide a rich source of nutrients.

Hemp seeds contain about 3% soluble fiber and 27% insoluble fiber. They are high in protein containing 11 grams per 30 gram serving.

Environmentally friendly

Hemp roots draw minerals buried deep in the soil up to the surface, a process that enriches the soils on which they grow. Hemp requires very little fertilizer. It also doesn’t require pesticide because most pests leave it alone. For this reason, some people plant hemp together with other vegetables like cabbage to protect them from pests.

Hemp is one of the fastest growing plants in existence. Environmentalists recommend using it to help reverse the ‘greenhouse effect’ resulting from carbon dioxide released by the massive burning of fossil fuels. Hemp turns CO2 into oxygen and fiber more quickly than almost any other green plants.

Hemp seed oil

There is one drawback to hemp seed oil and that is that it is more difficult to make than flax oil because it is much harder on machinery. But hemp seed oil is one of nature’s most well-balanced essential fatty acid oils. It contains both EFAs in proportions suitable for long-term use, and contains GLA. You’ll remember from the post about flax that the two EFAs are linoleic acid, LA and alpha-linonenic acid, ALA.

Hemp seed oil can be used over the long term to maintain a healthy balance of EFAs. It contains a better balance of omega-3 to omega-6 than flax oil, in a ratio  of 3:1.

Uses

Hemp seed oil tastes like sunflower oil. Taking the oil straight, I prefer the taste over flax oil, which is tolerable but not tasty. Hemp seed oil can be used for salad dressings and other uses except frying. It should be kept refrigerated or frozen to prevent deterioration, and must be protected from light and oxygen to prevent rancidity.

Availability

Here’s the kicker: hemp is illegal to grow in the USA and until recently was illegal in Canada as well. But hemp oil, hemp seeds, hemp fiber, cloth and rope are all legal. Canada has changed its laws to allow for the cultivation of industrial hemp. Examples of Canadian sources of hemp include Mahem which sells Pride of Lanark hemp products, Manitoba Harvest, Rocky Mountain and Nutiva. And don't worry, hemp seed will not make you high. Hemp seeds and oil contain very small amounts of THC - the drug component that is present in marijuana - unless the seeds have been contaminated. Contamination can be prevented by growing locally, where one can dry, clean and monitor the processing.

Consider incorporating hemp seed oil or hemp seeds into your diet for health and longevity... and the good of the planet.