stearidonic acid which act as precursor for long-chain fatty acids and eicosanoids in
the human body. Eicosanoids are less stable, hormonelike substances that play a
crucial role in the control of inflammation, vascular tone and initiation of contractions during delivery (Ally and Horrobin 1980; Brodt-Eppley and Myatt 1998). The
concentration of γ-linolenic acid varies from 0.34 to 6.8 g/100 g. However, a higher
concentration of γ-linolenic acid is exhibited in evening primrose (Oenothera
macrocarpa) (8.5 g/100 g) and borage (Borago officinalis) (16.3 and 20.5 g/100 g,
respectively) (Pina et al. 1984; Senanayake and Shahidi 2000). The process of
conversion of linoleic acid to γ-linolenic acid becomes slow in mammals due to
stress, hypertension, ageing and various other diseases. So, in case of disturbed
conversion, a dietary supplement of γ-linolenic acid is found to be beneficial
(Clifford Hall et al. 2015).
Studies conducted on fatty acids had reported that the stearidonic acid concentration in hempseed oil to be up to 2.5 g/100 g (Mölleken and Theimer 1997).
Conversely, Matthäus et al. (2006) reported it to range between 0.4 and 1.5 g/100 g.
Similarly, the amount of monounsaturated fatty acid such as oleic acid was observed
to range between 7 and 16 g/100 g (Deferne and Pate 1996; Matthäus et al. 2006).
Stearidonic acid was found to increase the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid
more efficiently than α-linolenic acid. Moreover, it is demonstrated to be beneficial
for patients suffering from a deficit in their D-6-desaturase function. Therefore,
additional supplementation of stearidonic acid can improve the formation of eicosanoids in their body (Erasmus 1993).
As per the nutrition societies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH
recommendations for nutrition), the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids should be 4:1 to 5:1. However, hempseed oil was examined to possess
omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the ratio of 3:1 (für die
Nährstoffzufuhr 2000). A lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids was highly desirable as it reduces the occurrence of many chronic diseases
(Simopoulos 2008).
However, linolenic acid is highly susceptible to oxidation and can result in the
formation of oxidised LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol which is responsible for the advancement of arteriosclerosis. In addition to this, oxidation products of
polyunsaturated fatty acids also play a crucial role in the development of various
types of tumours and can also cause premature ageing process (für die
Nährstoffzufuhr 2000; Simopoulos 2008). Hence, it is highly suggested that the
consumption of hempseed oil should be in moderate quantity.
15.3.4 Dietary Fibres
Dietary fibre has always been an essential part of the diet and linked with improved
digestion. Table 15.3 illustrates the quantities of significant fibres present in
hempseed. The fibres are broadly divided into two categories:
15 Hempseed (Cannabis sativa)
379
the human body. Eicosanoids are less stable, hormonelike substances that play a
crucial role in the control of inflammation, vascular tone and initiation of contractions during delivery (Ally and Horrobin 1980; Brodt-Eppley and Myatt 1998). The
concentration of γ-linolenic acid varies from 0.34 to 6.8 g/100 g. However, a higher
concentration of γ-linolenic acid is exhibited in evening primrose (Oenothera
macrocarpa) (8.5 g/100 g) and borage (Borago officinalis) (16.3 and 20.5 g/100 g,
respectively) (Pina et al. 1984; Senanayake and Shahidi 2000). The process of
conversion of linoleic acid to γ-linolenic acid becomes slow in mammals due to
stress, hypertension, ageing and various other diseases. So, in case of disturbed
conversion, a dietary supplement of γ-linolenic acid is found to be beneficial
(Clifford Hall et al. 2015).
Studies conducted on fatty acids had reported that the stearidonic acid concentration in hempseed oil to be up to 2.5 g/100 g (Mölleken and Theimer 1997).
Conversely, Matthäus et al. (2006) reported it to range between 0.4 and 1.5 g/100 g.
Similarly, the amount of monounsaturated fatty acid such as oleic acid was observed
to range between 7 and 16 g/100 g (Deferne and Pate 1996; Matthäus et al. 2006).
Stearidonic acid was found to increase the concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid
more efficiently than α-linolenic acid. Moreover, it is demonstrated to be beneficial
for patients suffering from a deficit in their D-6-desaturase function. Therefore,
additional supplementation of stearidonic acid can improve the formation of eicosanoids in their body (Erasmus 1993).
As per the nutrition societies of Germany, Austria and Switzerland (D-A-CH
recommendations for nutrition), the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated
fatty acids should be 4:1 to 5:1. However, hempseed oil was examined to possess
omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the ratio of 3:1 (für die
Nährstoffzufuhr 2000). A lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids was highly desirable as it reduces the occurrence of many chronic diseases
(Simopoulos 2008).
However, linolenic acid is highly susceptible to oxidation and can result in the
formation of oxidised LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol which is responsible for the advancement of arteriosclerosis. In addition to this, oxidation products of
polyunsaturated fatty acids also play a crucial role in the development of various
types of tumours and can also cause premature ageing process (für die
Nährstoffzufuhr 2000; Simopoulos 2008). Hence, it is highly suggested that the
consumption of hempseed oil should be in moderate quantity.
15.3.4 Dietary Fibres
Dietary fibre has always been an essential part of the diet and linked with improved
digestion. Table 15.3 illustrates the quantities of significant fibres present in
hempseed. The fibres are broadly divided into two categories:
15 Hempseed (Cannabis sativa)
379