Protein, Carb and Fat content of Hemp oil
Protein, Carb and Fat content of Hemp oil
Hemp is a word used to describe cannabis varieties that contain a minimum level of an intoxicating cannabinoid called THC. Therefore, hemp is a part of the cannabis family of plants with very little THC concentration. Among the variety of hemp products available, hemp oil is the most popular one.
Hemp oil or hemp seed oil
Hemp oil is an oily extract obtained as a result of cold pressing the seeds of the plant. This oil is often confused with CBD oil obtained from hemp. But unlike hemp oil, CBD oil is obtained from the leaves, flowers, and stalks of the plant.
Hemp oil may vary in colour or taste depending on how refined it is. Refined oil is light green and gives a nutty taste. In refined hemp oil all other, proteins, vitamins etc. are removed. On the contrary, unrefined hemp oil has a dark green color and grassy flavor. It contains all plant constituents such as carbs, fats and proteins.
Protein, Carb and Fat content of Hemp oil
Since Hemp oil is extracted from hemp seeds, the nutritional content of unrefined hemp oil can be classified mainly into the concentration of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates (carbs).
Proteins content of hemp oil
The protein concentration of hemp seed oil is the second most abundant among other plant oils. Proteins are required by the body to produce enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Proteins in the plant source provide essential amino acids that the body cannot produce itself. Hemp seed contains 9 essential amino acids. For a nutritious and balanced diet, hemp protein provides adequate amounts of these essential amino acids.
Moreover, hemp seed proteins are free of oligosaccharides and trypsin inhibitors that can cause bloating or block protein absorption. A large portion of hemp protein comprises of Edestin protein that helps is DNA formation as well as digestion. Approximately 25% of high-quality protein is present in hemp seed.
Carbohydrate content of hemp oil
In addition to proteins and fats, Hemp oil contains 34% carbohydrates, including small amounts of sugar and dietary fiber. Furthermore, the dietary fiber is divided into soluble (3%) and insoluble fiber (27%).
Fat content of hemp oil
Hemp oil has an excellent fat profile containing many healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids and some γ-linolenic acid. The concentration of linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid is 50–70% and 15–25%, respectively. Hemp oil is also a good source of higher fatty acids such as stearidonic, stearic, palmitic acid making up about 10% of fat content. In short, the amount of good polyunsaturated fats in the hemp oil is around 75-80%, which is why it is also known as "Nature's most perfectly balanced oil".
Consuming cold Hemp oil is advised as heating it above 300 ºF denatures good fats and results in harmful fatty acids and peroxides.
Summary
The source of hemp oil is hemp seed. Apart from vitamins, minerals, moisture, antioxidants, hemp oil contains:
- Protein content 25%
- Fat content: 51%
- Carbohydrates content: 34%