Hemp Oil Vs. Flax Oil

Hemp oil and flax oil are both excellent sources of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, though in significantly different proportions. These differences in the content and balance of fatty acids in hemp and flax oils account for significant differences in the digestibility and health benefits of these oils. They also differ in their molecular stability, or shelf life, and in the ways to best consume them.

Fatty Acid Content

Hemp oil contains more essential fatty acids than flax oil as well as two super-polnysaturated fats called gamma-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid that flax oil does not contain. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, GLA is an anti-inflammatory that also stimulates hair and nail growth and improves skin health. Flax oil contains a much higher concentration of an important omega-3 EFA called alpha-linolenic acid and in fact has a greater overall omega-3 EFA content than hemp oil.

Fatty Acid Balance

Despite having significantly fewer omega-3 EFAs than flax oil, hemp oil has a far more nutritionally balanced spectrum of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health and absorption. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in hemp oil is 3:1, which nutritional scientists recommend as far favorable to flax oil's ratio of 1:4. An imbalance in the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with inflammation-related disorders and risk of heart failure, atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, mood swings, childhood development problems and certain cancers.

Other Nutritional Components

Flax oil has slightly more calories than hemp oil. Hemp oil and flax oil both provide tocopherols, or vitamin E complex compounds, although hemp oil provides significantly more and provides carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, as well. Hemp oil also provides trace minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc while flax oil has no mineral content. Hemp oil also provides chlorophyll.

Consumption

Flax oil does not have a particularly palatable flavor and therefore does not appear in many recipes, whereas the nutty, full-bodied flavor of hemp oil lends to many tasty culinary creations, including soups, sauces and salad dressings. Flax oil is best taken in supplement form while hemp oil can be incorporated easily into one's diet. However, you should never fry with hemp oil. Both hemp oil and flax oil need to be stored in a refrigerator and should not be heated about 300 degrees F. While both oils should be consumed quickly, flax oil degrades much faster than hemp oil, going rancid much quicker, even under refrigeration.