Many people ask why Hemp Seed Oil and Fish Oil are such a big deal in nutrition.
Omega-fatty acids are some of the most important components of the human diet, so it’s no surprise that we’ve turned to supplements that can fit our needs.
Omega fatty acids are considered essential nutrients because the body needs them to maintain proper functionality - we simply can’t operate without them. Because our body does not produce them on its own, we need an external source to provide them - in this case, our diet.
Eating seafood is an easy way to fulfil the body’s need for omega fatty acids, although it’s not quite for everyone. But now there’s a new way to meet your RDI of essential fatty acids - Hemp Seed Oil. Hemp Seed Oil is also high in Omega-3 fatty acids and is made by extracting it from a specific source, much like fish oil. It can then be put into capsules and distributed to consumers.
However, Hemp Seed Oil is the new kid on the block. Rumour has it, Hemp might just be the alpha and omega when it comes to essential fatty acids.
People are always looking for the next best supplement to maintain their best health. Fish oil is a rich source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, but Hemp Seed Oil is also jam-packed with them. This week we’re taking a look at whether Hemp Seed Oil could be the next fish oil.
For decades now, scientists have maintained the idea that consuming omega fatty acids can help support the health of your heart, brain, and overall development.
The heart is the engine of the body. It is always pumping blood for circulation. Due to its continuous action, it requires nutrients like omega fatty acids to run. In turn, it’s believed that Omega fatty acids can reduce incidences of sudden heart attack and cardiac shutdown.
Essential Fatty Acids are speculated to also help keep certain auto-immune diseases at bay. For example, rheumatoid arthritis comes with unpleasant symptoms like morning stiffness, joint pain, and swelling in patients. You can manage these symptoms with a natural product-omega fatty acid. Thanks to omega fatty acids, individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis can have a better life and function maximally.
Additionally, research shows that pregnant women should consume a variety of omega fatty acid foods. The simple reason is that fatty acids are crucial in the proper development of the fetus.
The main reason that Fish oil is good for human health is that it contains an abundance of omega 3-fatty acids. Pure fish oil has been in high demand since scientists figured out a way to isolate and contain fish oil directly from marine life.
There are two types of omega 3-fatty acids in fish oil - EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Other nutrients include Vitamins A, D, and selenium.
Fish oil helps to reduce the risk of many conditions, like lowering the levels of triglyceride in the body. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may benefit individuals with renal disease. On top of that, it can promote skin cell regeneration and protect from UV rays.
The ‘Wet rendering’ process is the most common method for extracting fish oil. It involves heating the fish to release the oil. After sitting it in boiling water, you have to remove the water and press the fish. The product undergoes separation, centrifugation, and concentration to yield a nutritious oil.
However, when producing fish oil, the balance of the natural ecosystem is disturbed. Overfishing can cause a break in the food chain. Smaller fish are most commonly farmed for fish oil, which means less food for bigger fishes like sharks and guillemots which feed on smaller fishes. The long-term outcome of overfishing is a less diverse, simpler marine ecosystem.
Is that something we really want to be added to our legacy?
As the name suggests, Hemp Seed Oil is oil obtained from Hemp Seeds. Processed Hemp seed oil is colourless and clear, whereas unrefined Hemp Seed Oil is green in colour with a distinct nutty flavour. There is a wide application for Hemp Seed Oil such as making shampoo, soap, paint, ink, and so much more.
Although Hemp Seed Oil is just gaining popularity, it has become highly sought after. Those on plant-based diets often opt for Hemp Seed Oil because it is packed with over 30% protein and loads of other nutrients.
In addition, they contain all the essential amino acids that the body needs but cannot make. Hemp Seed Oil is also very rich in omega fatty acids. Furthermore, it has excellent anti-inflammatory properties.
Making Hemp Seed Oil begins with selecting the strain of hemp plant that contains very little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Harvesting and cleaning the hemp seed is the next step. After cleansing the seeds, they are pressed to produce the oil.
The Nutritional content of Hemp Seed makes it a very useful supplement for maintaining health. Hemp Seed Oil is rich in polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat, protein, magnesium, fibre, thiamine, zinc, and calories.
Check out the linked blog if you want to learn more about the Health Benefits of Hemp seed Oil
We have established that hemp seed oil and fish oil contain many omega fatty acids. Omega fatty acid is highly beneficial, but the body cannot produce it. The extraction of fish oil involves high temperatures and solvents that may alter the “naturality” of the oil, and it also harms the ecosystem.
The process of manufacturing Hemp seed oil preserves the purity of the oil while retaining its benefits, and it doesn’t harm the environment. In addition, Hemp Seed Oil has a longer shelf life than fish oil.
Hemp is a plant that you can grow on a small scale or large scale. Farming Hemp seed does not have any hazardous effect on the environment. However, harvesting fish for their oil is a straight path to a reduction in aquatic life.
Aquatic animals are already heavily depleted of food, and taking the forager fish out of the ecosystem is going to make this all the worse.
Fish oils have about seven times more omega 3 than omega 6. In short, fish oil depends solely on the omega fatty acids for their importance. However, hemp seed oil has omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids paired with several other essential nutrients.
The amount of omega 3 in Hemp Seed Oil is a little less, but it actually contains the optimal ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 for human consumption. This makes it an ideal choice for consumption!
Both oils are great sources of supplements, especially omega fatty acids. However, it is left to you to determine which you want. Fish oil is ideal for those who only need Omega-3 in particular.
On the other hand, Hemp Seed Oil has omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 in the perfect ratios, alongside a wide range of other essential minerals and nutrients.
We opt for Hemp Seed Oil because it contains the perfect amount of essential fatty acids and also offers a diverse selection of important nutrients. On top of that, Hemp Seed Oil is a plant-based alternative that doesn’t involve the farming of animals. It can be grown in a few months, and ready to consume within days.
Instead of Fish Oil, consider trying our Hemp Seed Oil capsules. We stock two types; one with Pure Hemp Seed Oil, and another with Hemp Seed Oil and Turmeric.
What do you prefer - Fish Oil or Hemp Seed Oil?