Dr. Mustafa Mortaş, a faculty member at the Engineering Faculty of Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), has highlighted the potential of hemp seed products as an alternative source of omega fatty acids. These products, derived from hemp seeds, are rich in omega fatty acids and can be used daily.
Mortaş, who specializes in Food Engineering at OMU, pointed out that food products made from hemp seeds have a high omega ratio. Consuming hemp seeds as part of a healthy diet contributes to meeting daily protein needs due to their high protein content and supports heart health thanks to their significant amounts of glutamic acid and arginine. Mortaş emphasized that the ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds possesses the ideal balance for daily intake. "Omega-3 is abundant in fish, and omega-6 in nuts. Both of these fatty acids are present in high amounts in hemp seeds. They can be used as nutritious and supplementary products like fish oil," he stated.
Dr. Mortaş noted that the glutamic acid and arginine found in hemp seeds are amino acids vital for heart health. He also mentioned that hemp seed cultivation is on the rise in Turkey. The remnants of hemp seeds from one year's cultivation are processed the following year, ensuring no psychoactive substances that could threaten public health are present. Thus, hemp seeds are safe for consumption, containing about 20-25% protein and roughly 35% fat, making them a valuable nutrient source. Research and processing efforts regarding hemp seeds continue within the academic community in Turkey. The protein in hemp seeds includes all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize but needs to obtain from dietary sources, notably glutamic acid and arginine, which are crucial for heart health and overall well-being. The fats in hemp seeds, constituting 20-25% of their makeup, are unsaturated fatty acids, particularly rich in omega-3, omega-6, and the monounsaturated fatty acid omega-9. Hemp seed oil, extracted through cold pressing without any processing, has an ideal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, ranging from two to one to three to one.
Mortaş also mentioned that products derived from hemp seeds are beginning to enter the market. When comparing hemp oil with fish oil, he noted that hemp seeds contain a higher amount of alpha-linolenic acid than fish oil, which is rich in DHA and EPA. Hemp seed products do not contain heavy metals or undergo chemical extraction, making them easily consumable due to their taste and aroma. Hemp seed oil differs from hemp oil, distinguished by its omega-3 content. Hemp milk or hemp beverage, produced from high-protein hemp seeds, is widely manufactured abroad but not yet in Turkey. This beverage is noted for its high protein content and omega-3 support, offering an alternative for individuals with lactose intolerance. The transition to mass production in the sector will be reflected in academic studies.
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