How does Ahiflower compare to hemp oil?

Ahiflower and hemp oil are two popular plant-based sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. While both oils are rich in essential fatty acids, they differ in their specific composition and the metabolites they produce in the body. In this blog, we will compare Ahiflower and hemp oil for their omega-3 and omega-6 metabolite benefits.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential nutrients that our body cannot produce on its own, and we must obtain them through our diet. These fatty acids play a vital role in many physiological processes, including brain development, immune function, and cardiovascular health.

Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly found in fatty fish, dark green leafy vegetables, flax and chia seeds, while omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, meat and eggs. Both types of fatty acids are needed in balance to maintain optimal health. However, the typical Western diet tends to be high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3 fatty acids, leading to an imbalance that can contribute to chronic inflammation and disease.

Ahiflower oil is a plant-based source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, derived from the seeds of the Ahiflower plant (Buglossoides arvensis). Ahiflower oil is unique in that it contains a rare omega-3 fatty acid called stearidonic acid (SDA), which is converted more efficiently to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the body than other plant-based omega-3 sources like flaxseed oil.

Ahiflower oil is also high in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. Studies have shown that taking Ahiflower oil supplements can increase levels of EPA and other beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites in the blood.

Hemp oil is another plant-based source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, derived from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Hemp oil contains both alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid.

While hemp oil is a good source of ALA and LA, it contains approximately three times more LA than ALA, which is already far in excess in most people’s diets. Additionally, hemp oil  contains only minute quantities of the rare omega-3 fatty acid SDA found in Ahiflower oil, which is converted more efficiently to EPA in the body.

PhytoLove recommends hemp seeds as a valuable and sustainable food which contributes iron, zinc and protein.  

However, when comparing Ahiflower and hemp oil for their omega-3 and omega-6 metabolite benefits, Ahiflower oil is a far more potent source of SDA and GLA than hemp oil, and studies have shown that taking Ahiflower oil supplements can increase levels of beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites in the blood.  Ahiflower also has an approximately 4:1 ratio of Omega 3:6 which is a much better supplement balance for most people.