The importance of the ratio of omega-6/omega-3 essential fatty acids

The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health, Washington, DC 20009, USA. cgnh@bellatlantic.net

Several sources of information suggest that human beings evolved on a diet with a ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA) of approximately 1 whereas in Western diets the ratio is 15/1-16.7/1. Western diets are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, and have excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids compared with the diet on which human beings evolved and their genetic patterns were established. Excessive amounts of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and a very high omega-6/omega-3 ratio, as is found in today's Western diets, promote the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, whereas increased levels of omega-3 PUFA (a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio) exert suppressive effects. In the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, a ratio of 4/1 was associated with a 70% decrease in total mortality. A ratio of 2.5/1 reduced rectal cell proliferation in patients with colorectal cancer, whereas a ratio of 4/1 with the same amount of omega-3 PUFA had no effect. The lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio in women with breast cancer was associated with decreased risk. A ratio of 2-3/1 suppressed inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and a ratio of 5/1 had a beneficial effect on patients with asthma, whereas a ratio of 10/1 had adverse consequences. These studies indicate that the optimal ratio may vary with the disease under consideration. This is consistent with the fact that chronic diseases are multigenic and multifactorial. Therefore, it is quite possible that the therapeutic dose of omega-3 fatty acids will depend on the degree of severity of disease resulting from the genetic predisposition. A lower ratio of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids is more desirable in reducing the risk of many of the chronic diseases of high prevalence in Western societies, as well as in the developing countries, that are being exported to the rest of the world.

More information about Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds come from an edible type of Cannabis sativa, a plant belonging to the same family as hops and fig trees. Hemp has been cultivated for over 6000 years, far longer than crops like soy beans have. This useful plant also provides a resistant textile fibre and renders a high-quality oil.

Hemp seed is exceptionally nourishing and beneficial. It is rich in proteins, and contains 30% to 50 % more protein than fish does. It also provides anti-oxides, including cysteine, carotene (Vitamin A) and tocopherols (Vitamin E). These substances act together to hydrate and restore dry skin and help to maintain healthy eyes and cell membranes.

Hemp is the source of a polyunsaturated oil that is rich in the essential fatty acids (EFAs) Omega 3 and Omega 6. The body does not synthesize these beneficial fats, and ordinary diets are often lacking in Omega 3. These two EFAs work together in synergy and one cannot be activated without the other. In hemp oil the proportion of these two fats to one another is 3:1, an ideal ratio from a nutritional viewpoint for their optimal use in the body. EFAs help to prevent or relieve inflammation problems, arthritis, asthma, osteoporosis, cardio-vascular disease and hormonal disturbances linked to menopause, These substances play a role in preventing autoimmune diseases, overweight and cancer.

Hemp seed also contains considerable quantities of iron and calcium, as well as other minerals. It does not contain THC, the psychoactive substance found in marijuana. It is also free of saturated fats, cholesterol and gluten. Hemp seed on its own provides nutritional and nutraceutic benefits that can be matched only by a combination of several different foods or supplements.

Culinary uses

Hemp seeds are delicious tasting and can be used very similarly to wheat germ, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds or pine nuts. Hemp seeds can be sprinkled on salads, soups, hot or cold breakfast cereals, granola, yoghurt, sauces, pesto, dips, pancakes, and pastries. It is preferable to eat hemp seeds raw. If they are cooked, they should not be heated to temperatures higher 180°C/350°F. After a package or jar of hemp has been opened, the contents keep for 3 to 4 months at room temperature and for up to a year in the refrigerator.

Hemp Seed Oil - Great for Dogs

A client of ours has an older 8 years old big dog that has had TPLO Surgery on both knees and now has hip problems. His coat was starting to get dry and he walked like an old man. They needed to do something and do something fast. They started giving him about 1 tablespoon of Hemp Seed Oil a day and quickly his coat started to both look and feel better, he started running around and having fun. Now they give him around 1 teaspoon a day - which is very inexpensive. They now recommend Hemp Seed Oil to all their friends for dogs of all ages.
Dogs love the flavor and you will notice a the difference.

Helpful Hemp Primer

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is hemp seed and hemp oil legal?

A: Yes, hemp seed and oil is legal in over 35 countries worldwide including Canada, Great Britain, Germany and France to name a few. Hemp seed (non-viable), hemp oil and hemp derivatives can be legally imported, sold or consumed in the USA, where hemp presently remains illegal to grow & cultivate.

Q: Are hemp and marijuana the same thing?

A: Hemp and marijuana are very different varieties from the same plant species cannabis sativa L.The major difference between the two varieties is in the level of THC, the psychoactive ingredient found at levels between 5-20% in marijuana while at trace levels of 0.00030% in hemp (maximum allowable limit).

Q: Will hemp products make the consumer high?

A: NO! Absolutely not. The trace levels of THC present in hemp derivatives do not provide anywhere near the potency (percentage of THC by weight) required to give the consumer a drug high.

Q: What are the chances of failing a drug screening test?

A: Recently, several studies have shown that based on the trace levels of THC present in today's hemp food and body care products, that the chances of being tested and obtaining a "false" positive drug test is very unlikely (just about impossible!).

Q: What do hemp seeds and hemp oil taste like?

A: Wonderful! Hemp seeds, either whole or hulled have a wonderful "nutty" flavor similar to sunflower seeds or pine nuts. Hemp seed oil is "emerald green" in color, with a very light, nutty flavor. See our recipe section for numerous ways to eat and consume hemp seeds and hemp oil.

Q: Are hemp food products healthy for you?

A: Yes! Hemp seeds are one of the world's richest sources of a complete protein (second only to soybean) comprising some 23% of the seed composition, 34% dietary fiber and 31% fat in the form of a nutritious oil that contains both of the essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 3) in a 3:1 ratio deemed optimum for long term human consumption. In addition, hemp seed oil also contains three other unsaturated fatty acids including the super-polyunsaturated Omega 6 derivative gamma linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid and oleic acid. For complete nutritional information please see our Hemp Nutrition and Composition sections.

Q: Why was hemp originally outlawed in Canada and the USA in the late 1930's?

A: Many people believe this was a conspiracy by a number of major US corporations who stood to lose a lucrative market share of the raw fiber industry for paper and composites. Others feel it was a case of "throwing out the baby with the bath water" referring to both marijuana and hemp as one in the same. Yet, at the same time, an exception was written into US law allowing for the importation of sterilized hemp seeds, oil, fiber and derivative products, which remains the same today even though it is illegal to grow hemp in the USA.

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