Fresh Hemp Oil from Manitoba Harvest

People throughout the world are becoming aware that the choices they make regarding culinary oils in their diet can have a profound impact on their health. Omega-rich hemp oil is one of the emerging nutritious oils being sought out by health-minded consumers, as well as foodies seeking flavorful oils that add an interesting flavor, color and texture to recipes. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils™ has announced that they have improved their hemp oil packaging, which features a convenient no-drip spout.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Oil has a rich nutty flavor and is a nutritious addition to healthy recipes such as salad dressings, soups, sauces, juices and smoothies. You can substitute hemp oil for virtually any other oil in recipes that are not heated above 350º F. Hemp oil can also be drizzled on top of cooked foods for added taste and nutrition. A tasty hemp oil recipe for Hempini Dressing is included below, and more can be found at www.manitobaharvest.com/recipes.

“There are six key advantages that hemp oil has over other oils and EFA sources,” says company President and co-founder Mike Fata. “Hemp oil offers the highest level of EFAs of any vegetable source, provides optimal balance between omega-6 and omega-3 EFAs, is a rare source of GLA, contains many other key nutrients beyond the EFAs, has a delicious flavor and culinary versatility, and is derived from sustainable agriculture,” notes Fata. “Many people are seeking to gain their EFAs from delicious functional foods instead of supplement pills,” add Fata.

A summary of hemp seed health and nutrition research presented to the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance (www.hemptrade.ca) at their annual conference in November 2009 by Kelly Fitzpatrick, M Sc., demonstrates the emerging science behind this superfood. The key points backed by referenced research in her report are:

- Hemp oil contains an extremely healthy fatty acid profile with the highest total level of important essential fatty acids: 55% linolenic acid (LA); and 19% alpha linolenic acid (ALA);

- Hemp oil is a rare plant source of the vital omega-6 EFA gamma linolenic acid (GLA) and another unique omega- fatty acid called stearidonic acid (SDA);

- EFAs, in particular GLA, SDA and ALA, have been shown to reduce the risk of CVD and hypertension by lowering blood cholesterol and blood pressure and reducing platelet clotting;

- ALA can reduce the most damaging inflammatory compounds related to CVD. GLA positively affects arthritic symptoms and other inflammatory disorders;

- Hemp oil is very low in saturated fats;

- Omega-6 and omega 3 EFAs work synergistically at the cellular level to ensure effective metabolism. Hemp oil has a 3:1 ratio – the oil closest to an ideal recommended omega 6 and 3 ratio;

- Hemp oil contains antioxidants including natural Vitamin E (tocopherols) at higher levels than other oils;

- Hemp seeds are rich in phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium, and are a very good source of important B vitamins including pantothenic acid, niacin and Vitamins B1, B2 and B6; and

- A variety of phytosterols are found in hemp oil, these substances have a positive effect on blood lipids.

“In addition to its high concentration of omega-3, hemp oil is a rare source of Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is a unique and extremely important Omega-6,” notes Meghan Atkinson CN, a certified nutritionist based in Los Angeles, California. Obtaining GLA in the diet can be challenging. “Other than hemp, there are only 3 significant natural sources of GLA - Evening Primrose, Borage, and Black Courant -and unlike hemp, none of the others are a whole food source with a wide variety of culinary functions,” adds Atkinson. Hemp Oil contains 420mg of GLA in one tablespoon.

To create Manitoba Harvest Hemp Oil, hemp seeds are cold pressed to ensure that valuable enzymes are not destroyed and nutrients such as chlorophyll and vitamin E remain intact. Unlike conventional vegetable oil refining, the “FRESH PRESSED™” process used by Manitoba Harvest does not subject the oil to poisonous chemicals or destructive heat. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Oil is packed in light-resistant bottles that are nitrogen flushed to ensure freshness.

Sales of products from Manitoba Harvest are spreading fast throughout North America and into Europe, Asia and other regions of the world. The need to create packaging that is appealing to a broad world audience is one of the factors that led Manitoba Harvest to refresh their brand look and packaging. The company’s popular line of Hemp Oil has received a new look and more convenient no-drip spout that is sure to attract the growing throngs of consumers that are seeking out healthy hemp foods. “Our fresh new look is designed to appeal to a broader mainstream audience while providing valuable health and nutrition information,” says Fata.

Manitoba Harvest offers two varieties of hemp oil in a variety of sizes of their attractive new packaging: certified organic (8-ounce SRP $9.99; 16-ounce SRP $16.99) and pesticide-free (12-ounce for $9.99; 32-ounce $23.99). Both varieties contain no additives or preservatives, and they are Gluten-Free and Nut-Free.

Founded in 1998, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods & Oils is the world’s largest vertically-integrated, farmer owned hemp food manufacturer. The company strives to create the healthiest hemp foods, to educate the public about healthy lifestyle choices, and to support sustainable and organic agriculture. Manitoba Harvest is proud to partner with Renewable Choice Energy to reduce their environmental impact through wind power and carbon offsets. For more information, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com.