Hemp seed oil is considered to be the best nutritional oil for health because its essential fatty acid (EFA) profile is closest to that required by the human body. Hemp seeds are the only natural source to boast of having the ideal ratio of EFA’s required by the human body, wich is roughly 3:1 of omega-6 to omega-3, the two most important EFA’s .

By weight, hemp seed is 30-35% oil, of wich 80% consists pf polyunsaturated EFA’s, linoleic acid (LA- omega-6 at 60%) and linoleic acid (LNA or ALA -omega-3 at 20%). These are the parent compounds wich build longer-chain fatty acids. LNA then converts to DHA ( docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA ( eicosapentaenoic acid). Other notable fatty acids are GLA (gamma linolenic acid from LA) and SDA ( stearidonic acid from LNA), which serve as intermediaries in the information of longer-chain  fatty acids and vital hormone-like prostaglandins in the body.

There is much conflicting information today regarding nutrition and the consumption of fish oil versus plant-based oils. Here are 6 reasons not to consume fish oils:

1. Fish is no longer a health food. All marine life has varying levels of toxins and pollutants.

2. Not all fish oils are created equal. The highest EFA’s levels come from salmon, tuna, etc. Most fish oils are made up from such cheaper and lesser fish as mackerel and anchovies.

3. EFA’s are easily destroyed, especially preformed ones. Preformed EPA and DHA are destroyed by cooking, toxins are not.

4. Fish-based EFA’s increase certain risks. The reduction of vitamin E in the liver and plasma leads to cancers, cataracts, immune system decline and brain dysfunction.

5. The hype about ALA conversion contains half-truths. Humans, from fetus to old-age, are able to convert ALA to DHA.

6. Fish oil and EPA may not be the best for the heart. DHA offers greater cardiovascular benefits than EPA.

Conclusions: Because our brains are made of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, many assume that the only way you should obtain these is by eating such things as fish, which have the long-chain fats. Plant sources, such as hemp seed oil is made up mainly of medium-chain fats. However, when log-chain fatty acids are eaten, they must be emulsified by bile salts in the small intestine before they can be absorbed into the body. Short-and medium-chain fatty acids are absorbed directly through the portal vein to the liver, where they are immediately available to the body.

References:

http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/hemp/hempoil.htm

http://www.innvista.com/health/nutrition/fats/fishoils/default.htm