Cannabis seeds (Cannabis sativa L.) as a source of irreplaceable food components

Abstract

The article presents the results of the analysis of literature sources that contain research data on the fatty acid composition of hemp oil (Cannabis sativa L.). Today, sown hemp is confidently occupying a segment of the food market, increasing the range. From ancient times the hemp was used as a source of fiber, from which woven garments were made, and the seeds were eaten. Later, nutritious oil was extracted from the seeds of the crop in the areas of hemp growing.
 In the twentieth century, researchers noticed to hemp oil and described in detail its fatty acid composition. The presence of polyunsaturated acids (ώ-3), in particular linolenic, in hemp oil puts the crop among the most valuable. A whole complex of other fatty acids was also found, such as palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linolenic, γ-linolenic, arachidonic, behenic, lignoceric, and others. According to various authors, modern varieties of hemp, both domestic and foreign selection, are characterized by different ratios of fatty acids in the oil, with unsaturated acids predominating. Linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic fatty acids (or vitamin F) prevent the deposition of cholesterol in the arteries, ensure healthy skin and hair, have a positive effect on the activity of the endocrine glands, help reduce body weight by burning saturated fats. These fatty acids are a source of formation in the body of biologically active substances ‒ prostaglandins. Especially valuable in hemp oil is the presence of linoleic, linolenic and gamma-linolenic acids. These important acids are found in large quantities in nature quite rarely. In the quantitative composition of the ratio of glycerides of these acids in hemp oil 3 : 1 (56 linoleic and 19 % linolenic). The most important physiological action of polyunsaturated fatty acids is a strong antisclerotic effect, the ability to lower blood cholesterol, reduce growth and even resorb atherosclerotic plaques. The use of α-linolenic acid prevents the oxidation of cell membrane lipids, insulin resistance, promotes normal fetal development, growth processes, proper development of the brain, visual organs, gonads, improves the biochemistry of the nervous system, synapses, nerve impulse transmission, brain blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. The article also covers the agronomic characteristics of hemp fruit, as well as the peculiarities of lipid formation processes.