Omega 3, 6 and 9 In Hemp
The Omega 3 6 9 fatty acids are often the talk of the health food town. They’re marketed as an essential component of a healthy diet. But few people understand what they actually are, why we need them, and how best to consume them.
Omega 3 6 9 are unsaturated fats (the good kind, of course). But as valuable as they are, Omegas come with a big catch: they need to be in the right ratio to each other for your body to absorb (and thrive) off them. In fact, the wrong balance can do more harm than good.
This is where the hemp seed oil Omega 3 6 9 ratio enters the spotlight. Those teeny tiny hemp seeds have achieved the unthinkable: they’re the optimum ratio of Omegas for human health, making them the best source of Omega on the planet.
But to understand how the Omegas all work better together, we must first get to know their individual characters (namely, their chemical structure, sources and benefits). Read on, amiga.
What is Omega 3?
When experts talk about getting more Omega in your diet, chances are they’re referring to the humble Omega 3. You see, our bodies don’t make Omega 3, so the only way to get them is through our diet. Now, this is where it gets a little sciencey.
Common types of Omega 3s include ALA (alpha-liolenic acid) which is the plant form of Omega, and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) which are mostly found in seafood.
And some good news for our plant-based friends: The ALA form of Omega is the only Omega 3 fatty acid you need, as your body can convert this into DHA and EPA. In other words, a plant-based diet can still get all the Omega goodness you need.
Omega 3 Benefits
The Omega 3 benefits are plentiful, research shows it can:
What is Omega 6?
There’s a bit of mixed messaging surrounding Omega 6: some say they’re vital, some say they’re harmful, and some don’t even know where to begin. But thankfully, we’re about to spell it out.
Just like Omega 3, the body can’t make Omega 6, so we need to consume it in our diet. Omega 6 comes with a whole range of health benefits, including heart, bone and skin health. But there’s such thing as too much of a good thing.
Modern research shows that consuming a high ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 can have a backward effect, leading to inflammation and disease. And that’s certainly not what we’re here for. The golden rule with Omega 6 is to balance it out with Omega 3.
Omega 6 Benefits
When consumed in a good ratio, Omega 6 can:
- Improve brain function
- Boost heart health
- Stimulate skin and hair growth
- Decrease blood pressure
- Contribute to bone health
What is Omega 9?
Unlike Omega 3 and 6, Omega 9 (or oleic acid) is a monosaturated fat that can be made in the body. For this reason, it’s classified as “nonessential.” While it’s perhaps not as sought-after as its fellow Omegas, research shows that foods high in Omega 9 are highly beneficial.
Omega 9 Benefits
When added to your diet, Omega 9 can:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Reduce the risk of stroke
- Decrease inflammation
Hemp Seed Oil Omega 3 6 9
As you can see, just because you’re consuming Omega doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. The ratio that they’re in is just as important as the Omegas themselves.
The ideal ratio of Omega has been a hot topic in the nutrition world, where it’s largely agreed that a lower ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 is ideal. Many say that the sweet spot sits between 2:1 and 4:1 (today, western diets are eating ratios as high as 16:1!) And the best news? The Omega 3 and 6 in hemp sit in this beautiful (and rare) ratio of 3:1.
We could also mention the fact that hemp is packed with loads of other essential nutrients and great for the planet – but that would just be showing off.
If you’re looking for your ideal Omega 3 6 9 ratio, discover our range of hemp food.