Organic hemp oil rich in key EFAs

Prepared Foods, Oct, 2002

An ever-increasing number of studies show essential fatty acids (EFAs), such as omega-6 linoleic acid and omega-3 linolenic acid are essential to goad human health. Studies also have demonstrated that many common illnesses are related to EFA deficiencies and that dietary supplementation with EFAs or their metabolites often will prevent or even cure these illnesses. EFAs from hemp or flax help to lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Additionally, EFAs play an important role in reducing heart disease, depression and PMS.

Recommendations by health officials with the World Health Organization, Health Canada, Japan and Sweden are four-to-one ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. With a ratio of at least three-to-one, hemp oil is the closest to this range of any naturally occurring oil. Excess trans-fat, a form of harmful hydrogenated fat from sources such as deep-fried food, often blocks the body's metabolic processes. Replacing trans-fats with hemp oil corrects EFA deficiency and improves metabolism.

Hemp oil has a content of 80% polyunsaturated fat, the highest ratio of "good fat" of any vegetable seed oil. Hemp oil also is a unique plant source of a rare omega-6 EFA called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) as well as a rare omega-3 EFA called stearidonic acid (SDA). Modern-day diets and sluggish enzyme activities often impair the synthesis of CIA in the body, which may cause CIA deficiency. GLA is associated with hair and nail growth and can reduce inflammation of joints. GLA also is the key regulator of T-lymphocyte functions in the immune system and is involved in cell metabolism and growth.

Nutiva offers healthy hemp and flax foods including nutritious hemp and flax food bars, hemp oil and capsules, and shelled hempseed. The company's products can be found in stores such as Whole Foods Markets and Wild Oats. Nutiva, 800-993-4367, www.nutiva.com