Are you a fan of hemp seed oil and wondering if it’s high in oxalates?
You’re not alone. With the rise of plant-based diets and natural remedies, hemp seed oil has become a popular choice for its numerous health benefits.
However, like most plant seeds, hemp seed oil contains oxalates, which can sometimes be harmful to your health.
In this article, we’ll explore the oxalate content of hemp seed oil and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about incorporating it into your diet.
So, let’s dive in and find out if hemp seed oil is high in oxalates!
Is Hemp Seed Oil High In Oxalates?
Yes, hemp seed oil is high in oxalates. In fact, it contains a very high level of oxalates compared to other plant-based foods. According to research, in 30 grams of hemp oil, there is around 22 mg of oxalate.
Oxalates are naturally occurring plant-based compounds that are not harmful in themselves. However, a high oxalate intake can raise the risk of kidney stones and other issues.
If you consume too much hemp seed oil for a long time, you might see some effects. It’s important to note that 3 tablespoons of hemp seed oil consumed daily can be ideal.
What Are Oxalates And Why Are They Important?
Oxalates are organic compounds that are found in almost all plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, grains, and even cocoa. They play an important role in the metabolic processes of plants, helping to regulate minerals like calcium and magnesium. Oxalate is a 2- anion, which means it is attracted to 2+ cations like calcium and magnesium, allowing the plant to draw these essential minerals up through the roots.
In some plants, oxalate crystals participate in energy metabolism providing a source of carbon for respiration. Additionally, oxalate may build up within a plant as a protective measure against unfavorable environmental conditions such as drought and other stresses.
While oxalates have benefits for plants, high levels of oxalates in the diet can be problematic for some individuals. Oxalate can bind with calcium in the body and form crystals that can accumulate in the kidneys, increasing the risk of painful kidney stones.
It’s important to note that not all individuals are affected by high oxalate intake, and some people may be able to tolerate higher levels than others. However, for those with a history of kidney stones or other health issues related to oxalates, it may be necessary to reduce their intake of high-oxalate foods like hemp seed oil.
The Benefits Of Hemp Seed Oil
Despite its high oxalate content, hemp seed oil provides numerous health benefits due to its rich composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). These include:
1. Improved Skin Health: Hemp seed oil is rich in PUFAs, including linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. Studies have shown that consuming hemp seed oil can improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and acne. Additionally, it strengthens the skin and makes it more resistant to infection.
2. Lowered Blood Pressure: The omega-3 fatty acids abundant in hemp seed oil can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. Research recommends using omega-3 fatty acid supplements along with blood pressure medicine to lower blood pressure.
3. Promotes Heart Health: Hemp seed oil is rich in linoleic acid, which studies have shown can significantly reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol. Lowering cholesterol levels reduces your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
4. Natural Pain Relief: Hemp seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a useful ally for injuries, infections, or autoimmune disorders that cause pain. When ingested or applied topically, it reduces pain and inflammation.
5. Hormone Balancing: The GLA found in hemp seed oil may improve hormone health and reduce symptoms associated with PMS such as menstrual cramps. It can also improve hormone health in older women going through menopause and reduce their symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and depression.
6. Enhanced Digestive Health: Although specific research on hemp seed oil for digestive health is not yet available, the omega-3 essential fatty acid found in hemp seed oil is known to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and may relieve some digestive tract problems such as inflammatory bowel disorder. In addition, the fatty acids in hemp seed oil promote the good microbes in the gut flora which improves digestion and overall digestive health.
The Oxalate Content Of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a popular plant-based oil that is known for its health benefits. However, because it is derived from a plant, many people wonder if it contains any oxalates. Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones and other health issues.
Research shows that hemp seed oil contains a very high level of oxalates. In fact, in just 30 grams of hemp oil, there is around 22 mg of oxalate. This makes hemp seed oil one of the highest sources of oxalates among plant-based foods.
It’s important to note that consuming too much hemp seed oil for a long time can have negative effects on your health. However, consuming 3 tablespoons of hemp seed oil daily can be ideal for reaping its health benefits without overdoing it on oxalates.
If you are concerned about your oxalate intake, it’s best to keep an eye on your consumption of not only hemp seed oil but also other nuts and seeds. It’s also important to note that calcium ingested at the same time as foods with oxalates can bind to the oxalates in the stomach, lessening the amount of oxalate being absorbed and carried to the kidneys.
The Effects Of High Oxalate Intake
High oxalate intake can have several effects on the body. One of the most commonly known effects is the formation of kidney stones and crystals. When excess oxalate combines with calcium in the urine, it can create kidney stones and crystals that can damage the kidneys and cause renal failure. Kidney stones often form early in life and can cause symptoms during childhood or adolescence.
Another effect of high oxalate intake is oxalate dumping. This occurs when one decreases their intake of oxalates too quickly, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, pain, and irritability. Fortunately, several strategies can prevent oxalate dumping and reduce the body’s excretion of oxalates naturally.
Hyperoxaluria is a condition that occurs when there is too much oxalate in the urine. This can lead to serious health problems such as bone disease, anemia, heart, skin and eye problems, growth and development problems in children, and systemic oxalosis.
Oxalates can also disrupt mineral absorption and usage, especially calcium and magnesium. Excessive intake of high oxalate foods is often the underlying cause of joint pain, muscle aches, dental tartar, dental caries, sinus pain, and gut problems. In rare circumstances, people can be endogenous producers of oxalate due to a genetic disorder or low vitamin B6.
How To Incorporate Hemp Seed Oil Into Your Diet Safely
If you are looking to incorporate hemp seed oil into your diet safely, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to be aware of the high oxalate content in hemp seed oil. To avoid consuming too much oxalate, it is recommended that you limit your intake of hemp seed oil to 1-2 teaspoons per day, either all at once or divided into two doses.
When using hemp seed oil in your meals, it is best to use it raw as a food supplement. This means that you should not heat the oil above its smoking point, which is around 332°F. Instead, try using hemp seed oil as a tasty dip or drizzle it over salads for a nutty flavor. You can also infuse it into beverages such as smoothies for added nutritional benefits.
If you want to cook with hemp seed oil, it is best to use it in combination with other temperature-stable oils. This will allow you to heat the oil to a higher temperature without breaking down its beneficial compounds. However, keep in mind that cooking hemp seed oil at high temperatures for extended periods can significantly harm its nutritional content.
Incorporating hemp seed oil into your diet can offer many health benefits, including promoting heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving skin conditions. By consuming hemp seed oil in moderation and using it primarily as a raw food supplement, you can safely enjoy its unique flavor and nutritional content as part of a healthy diet.
