Search
logo
Search
The article is in preview mode

Health properties of seeds and hemp seed oil

Homepage Articles Health properties of seeds and hemp seed oil

Health properties of seeds and hemp seed oil

Hemp seed is a valuable plant raw material widely used in industry. It is often confused with Indian hemp known for its hallucinogenic properties. However, it should be emphasized that although it belongs to the same family, hemp seed does not exhibit this effect.

Table of Contents

1. Hemp seed is a characteristic

Cannabis sativa is a species of plant in the hemp family. Otherwise known as fibrous hemp. The plant is native to Central Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is a raw material for fiber production, but it is also used in the food industry and for medicinal purposes. The earliest reports of the health potential of cannabis seeds can be found in sources related to Chinese medicine. The most valuable part of the plant is the seeds, which are characterized by a high acidic content of bioactive compounds. Due to the high amount of unsaturated fats, it is used to produce oils.

2. The seeds of hemp seeds are composed

Hemp seeds are a valuable source of protein and fat. Depending on the conditions and location of cultivation, protein accounts for approximately 2025% of all ingredients, while fat accounts for 2835%. Characterized by the presence of phytic acid, choline, lecithins, trigononins, and vitamins K and E. Hemp seed also contains mineral ingredients such as iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc and phosphorus. It should be noted that the protein present in cannabis seeds is characterized by a full amino acid profile. It contains amino acids, which are essential for the functioning of the body and must be supplied with nutrients.

3. Hemp oil composition

Due to the high fat content of hemp seeds, the essential oil is obtained from the omega-3 fatty acid. In a properly balanced diet, an appropriate ratio of these acids is important. According to the most recent guidelines, it is composed mainly of essential unsaturated fatty acids (NNKT) which indicates its high nutritional value. It contains primarily linoleic acid (56%) from the Omega-6 group and alpha-linolenic acid (19%) from omega-3 group. In the correctly balanced diets, an adequate ratio is important. According to its latest guidelines it should also exceed 3:1 (Mbidiol and Jarbinoic acid, 2020). Considering this, hemp oil is an ideal source of carboxylic acid, or in the case of omega-6 compounds.

4. The health properties of hemp products

Hemp seeds produce hemp flour, which improves the functioning of the digestive tract and has a beneficial effect on cholesterol metabolism. It is also a very good alternative to wheat flour. It should be emphasized that it can be consumed by people with celiac disease because it does not contain gluten. It has a high content of full-fledged protein and dietary fiber, which enhances the function of the dietary pathway and benefits the metabolism of cholesterol.

5. Summary

Both hemp seeds and the oil derived from them are highly nutritious. Due to the presence of numerous bioactive ingredients, they have a beneficial effect on the human body. Hemp seed is a valuable source of full-fledged plant protein, so it is important to include them in the diet. Given the amino acid profile, they are particularly recommended for people on a vegan diet. They can be added to salads and cocktails as whole or in a mild form. Hence, hemp seed can be used as a nutritional ingredient. A valuable product with a healthy effect, the oil is also suitable for use when helping to enhance the health of the skin, as well as for maintaining its properties under the skin. It can also be used to improve the skin's functioning, both indoors and outdoors.
Source

Callaway J. et al., Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis, „Journal of Dermatological Treatment” 2005, 16(2), 87–94.
Callaway J.C., Hempseed as a nutritional resource: An overview, „Euphytica” 2004, 140, 65–72.
Dąbrowski G., Skrajda M., Frakcja lipidowa i białkowa nasion konopi siewnych (C. sativa L.) oraz jej korzystny wpływ na zdrowie człowieka, „Journal of Education, Health and Sport” 2016, 6(9), 357–366.
Farinon B. et al., The Seed of Industrial Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition, „Nutrients” 2020, 12(7), epub.
Gambuś H. et al., Skład chemiczny i walory prozdrowotne nasion, oleju i mąki z konopi siewnych (Cannabis sativa L.), Żywność a oczekiwania współczesnego konsumenta, pod red. Kowalskiego S., Zięć G., Drożdż I., Kraków 2020, 57–66.
Jarosz M. et al., Normy żywienia dla populacji Polski i ich zastosowanie, pod red. Jarosza M. et al., Warszawa 2020.
Kaniewski R. et al., Konopie siewne (Cannabis sativa L.) – wartościowa roślina użytkowa i lecznicza, „Postępy Fitoterapii” 2017, 18(2), 139–144.
Kaushal N., Dhadwal S., Kaur P., Ameliorative Effects of Hempseed (Cannabis Sativa) Against Hypercholesterolemia Associated Cardiovascular Changes, „Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases” 2020, 30(2), 330–338.
Kurek-Górecka A. et al., Znaczenie terapeutyczne i kosmetyczne oleju konopnego, „Farmacja Polska” 2018, 74(12), 704–708.
Rodriguez-Leyva D., Pierce G.N., The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed, „Nutrition & Metabolism” 2010, 7, epub.
Schwab U.S. et al., Effects of hempseed and flaxseed oils on the profile of serum lipids, serum total and lipoprotein lipid concentrations and haemostatic factors, „European Journal of Nutrition” 2006, 45, 470–477.
Walczak Z., Starzycki M., Ocena profilu kwasów tłuszczowych w olejach tłoczonych na zimno w kontekście rekomendacji ich w żywieniu osób aktywnych fizycznie, „Bromatologia i Chemia Toksykologiczna” 2013, 46(3), 316–322.