There may be some benefits when it comes to eating hempseed oil. With an ideal ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, the oil has the ability to lower high blood pressure. Now, researchers have announced that it may just have the potential to be part of a heart-healthy diet, according to Health24.
Hempseed oil is extracted from Cannabis sativa, which is often called industrial hemp. It's a cousin of marijuana and has only recently been legalized in some instances in the U.S. Intrigued by the oil that can be taken from this plant, the researchers decided to analyze its makeup. In the end, they found that it has the potential to help those who want a healthier heart.
"This is an interesting study that gives new information on the bioactive compounds found in hempseed that may potentially lower blood cholesterol levels and have an anti-atherogenic action," wrote Grant Pierce, executive director of research at St. Boniface Hospital, who was not involved in the study, in an email to Reuters.
Hempseed is actually known to have high levels of vitamins A, C and E, minerals and even fiber. The researchers took a closer look and found that Hempseed oil has an optimal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of about three to one. In addition, they found that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) made up about 75 percent of the oil. These fatty acids can also be found in some meats as well as flax and fish oils.
So what does this mean? It's possible that the high amounts of one omega-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, "may have favorable nutritional implications and beneficial physiological effects on the prevention of coronary heart disease and cancer," according to the authors.
That said, further research is needed before scientists can determine the clinical benefits of hempseed oil. In the meantime, though, it seems as if this substance could potentially be a boon to health.
The findings are published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.
