Hemp oil has many benefits, especially for the health of horses, due to its unique composition:
PUFAs Content: Hemp oil has the highest concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) compared to other commonly used plant oils. PUFAs are crucial for the health of horses, affecting brain function, growth, development, inflammatory processes, and the condition of the skin, hooves, and coat.
Ideal Omega-3 to Omega-6 Ratio: The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in hemp oil is about 1:3, which is considered ideal for maintaining health and reducing inflammation.
High GLA Content (about 5%): GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) is a "good" omega-6 acid with anti-inflammatory properties, rarely found in other oils. Hemp oil contains a large amount of GLA, which can support the immune system and reduce inflammation.
Contains SDA (about 2.5%): SDA (stearidonic acid), a form of plant-based omega-3, is effectively converted into EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which is beneficial for cardiovascular, cognitive, joint, and immune health. SDA in hemp oil is metabolized into EPA four times more efficiently than ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), resulting in higher levels of EPA in the body.
What are Omega Fatty Acids?
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are types of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are essential components of a balanced diet and are extremely important for the health of a horse. Both types of acids play important roles in various body functions, including brain function, growth and development, and inflammatory processes. Hemp seed oil has the highest concentration of PUFAs compared to other commonly used plant oils.
Omega-3 acids, such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are typically found in fish and seafood, while alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is found in plant sources like flax seeds, chia seeds, camelina, and hemp. Omega-3 acids are considered anti-inflammatory and are associated with various health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, improving brain health, and reducing inflammation.
Omega-6 acids, such as linoleic acid (LA), are typically found in plant oils like soybean, corn, and sunflower oil. Omega-6 acids also play important roles in the body, but unlike omega-3, high levels of omega-6 have been linked to inflammation and other health problems when not balanced with an adequate amount of omega-3.
However, it should be noted that horses need a certain amount of omega-6 acids in their diet for the proper functioning of a healthy body. Most omega-6 acids play a role in inflammation, which may sound negative, but is important for protecting the horse in case of injuries or infections. Omega-6 acids also play important roles in brain function, forming important neurotransmitters, in the structure of the cell membrane, and even in reproductive health as building blocks of important reproductive hormones.
Maintaining a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 acids in a horse's diet is important, as too much omega-6 can exacerbate inflammation and negate the benefits of omega-3. The omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in hemp oil is ideal and is about 1:3.
What is GLA?
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 acid that is found only in a few sources, one of which is hemp seeds. GLA is considered a "good" omega-6 acid because it has anti-inflammatory properties. This is because it can be converted in the body into an anti-inflammatory compound called prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). PGE1 helps reduce inflammation by decreasing the production of pro-inflammatory compounds and increasing the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. Additionally, GLA can support the immune system by promoting the production of white blood cells.
GLA is not found in significant amounts in most commonly used plant oils. Hemp oil is one of the few sources that contain a large amount of GLA. In horses, GLA supplementation from hemp oil can help reduce inflammation associated with problems such as arthritis, allergies, and skin issues. It can also help improve hoof health and support the immune system.
What is SDA?
Like ALA (alpha-linolenic acid, the most common form of plant-based omega-3), SDA (stearidonic acid) is a long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid (LC-PUFA), both of which are converted into the longer fatty acid EPA, which can be obtained from some fish and both contribute to increasing DHA in peripheral blood. EPA and DHA are fatty acids that improve cardiovascular, cognitive, joint, and immune functions – most commonly through fish oils.
The advantage of SDA is associated with the efficiency of its conversion to EPA. When SDA is consumed in food, it is directly converted to EPA, while ALA must first convert to SDA and then to EPA. Because directly supplying SDA bypasses this step, it is metabolized more efficiently, resulting in higher levels of EPA and DHA in the body.
Quality of Oil and Its Health Benefits
When deciding to add hemp seed oil to your horse's diet (or any other), consider not the price, but the quality first. Often, "technical quality" oils (hot-pressed, often with the addition of solvents) of at least questionable origin are available on the market. Plant oils pressed from low-quality raw materials may contain several times the exceeded concentrations of heavy metals and pesticides, which will negate the health benefits and even harm your horse. Pressing under inappropriate conditions, by which we mean high temperature (which speeds up the pressing process and increases its efficiency), causes the oil to lose its health benefits due to the oxidation of unsaturated omega acids. Therefore, it is worth checking both the manufacturer's certificates and the declared quality of the oil.