Hemp Seed Oil: Food for Your Brain

Hemp Seed Oil: Food for Your Brain

By Cathe Olson

Did you know your brain needs fat to function properly? It’s true. But before you go running out for ice cream and hamburgers, you need to know what kind of fat your brain needs. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Your body cannot produce it, so you have to get it through your diet. Unfortunately, Americans typically consume mostly saturated fats and trans fats, rather than the healthy fats that supply this essential fatty acid.

You may have heard fish referred to as “brain food.” That’s because cold water fish are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. The problem is there are concerns about the toxic levels of mercury in fish. Flaxseed oil is a well-known plant source of omega-3’s but many people do not like its overpowering taste. It ends up sitting on the shelf and, because flaxseed oil is unstable, it goes rancid quickly.

Don’t despair. There is an oil everybody agrees on: hemp seed oil. It’s recommended by Dr. Andrew Weil, author of numerous health books, and Udo Erasmus, author of “Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill.” Hemp seed oil contains the perfectly balanced 3:1 ratio of Omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to Omega 3 (alpha-linolenic/ LNA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition. In addition, hemp seed oil contains the polyunsaturated fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid, and stearidonic acid.

Hemp, you’re thinking, isn’t that illegal? Although hemp seed oil is derived from the same plant species as marijuana, it contains only a trace amount of THC (if any) – not even close to the amount that could cause psychoactivity. Consumption of hemp products is completely legal and hemp seed oil is safe and beneficial for pregnant women, infants and children, as well as adults.

And what about the taste? According to Amie Nguyen of earthfriendlygoods.com, hemp seed oil has a delicious nutty flavor that is delicious in salad dressings, over pasta or vegetables, and in smoothies. And hemp seed oil has double the shelf life of flaxseed oil.

So what is the best way to get your omega-3 fatty acids? It’s a no-brainer. Hemp seed oil is good food for your body and mind.



Cathe Olson is the author of “The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook: Whole foods to nourish pregnant and breastfeeding women – and their families” and “Simply Natural Baby Food: Easy Recipes Your Infant and Toddler Will Love.” For more information or to order a book, visit www.simplynaturalbooks.com.