Hempseed oil reaches new highs
Hemp is gaining interest, and not just for its hallucinogenic properties. Low-THC varieties are used not only as a source of fibre for textiles, but also for their oils, which may have a variety of health benefits.
Researchers have recently detailed hempseed oil’s many health-promoting compounds in a study in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
While often used for its high-inducing properties, hemp has been used far more widely for textiles, medicine and food. It contains high levels of vitamins A, C and E and beta carotene, and is rich in protein, carbohydrates, minerals and fibre, Maria Angeles Fernandez-Arche and colleagues say.
The researchers conducted a detailed analysis of hempseed oil and found that it contains a variety of interesting substances such as sterols, aliphatic alcohols and linolenic acids, which research suggests promote good health. One such substance is α-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid that some studies have suggested helps prevent coronary heart disease.
The researchers say the findings could have implications for the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food and non-food industries.
Beefing up the flavour of cultured meat
Scientist working towards perfecting the taste of lab-grown 'cultured' meat are a step...
Drinking coffee linked with healthy aging in women
A study has found women who consumed caffeinated coffee in midlife are more likely to exhibit...
Diversifying Western Australia's apple industry with juicy new products
The Cook government is helping WA's apple industry to diversify and add value with products...
