Hemp Oil vs. Hemp Seed Oil: The Crucial Difference
Before delving into the amino acid profile, it is vital to clarify the terminology that often causes confusion. The term 'hemp oil' is frequently used interchangeably, but it can refer to two very different products with distinct compositions.
- Hemp Seed Oil: This is the oil extracted by cold-pressing the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. It is primarily composed of essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), and vitamins, but contains very little protein, and therefore, negligible amounts of amino acids.
- Hemp Oil (Full-Spectrum): This oil is typically extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant. It is rich in cannabinoids like CBD, along with terpenes and flavonoids, and is used for its potential therapeutic effects, not its amino acid content.
For anyone looking for a source of amino acids from the hemp plant, the focus should be on products derived directly from the seeds, such as whole seeds or hemp protein powder.
The Complete Amino Acid Profile of Hemp Seeds
In contrast to the oil, hemp seeds are a rich, complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. The protein in hemp seeds is composed mainly of two highly digestible globular proteins, edestin and albumin.
Here is the full profile of amino acids found within hemp seeds:
Essential Amino Acids
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine (a BCAA)
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine (a BCAA)
Non-Essential Amino Acids
- Alanine
- Arginine
- Aspartic Acid
- Cysteine
- Glutamic Acid
- Glycine
- Proline
- Serine
- Tyrosine
Abundant and Limiting Amino Acids in Hemp
While hemp seeds provide a complete protein, the proportions of each amino acid vary. Knowing which amino acids are most and least concentrated can be helpful for those monitoring their intake, especially vegans or athletes.
- Abundant Amino Acids: Hemp seeds are particularly rich in arginine and glutamic acid. Arginine is known for its role in supporting cardiovascular health through the production of nitric oxide, which helps regulate blood pressure.
- Limiting Amino Acid: Lysine is the primary limiting amino acid in hemp protein, meaning it is the least abundant essential amino acid compared to dietary recommendations. Some individuals, therefore, choose to pair hemp protein with other plant-based proteins, like those from peas or rice, which are higher in lysine, to create an even more nutritionally balanced profile.
Comparison: Hemp Seed Oil vs. Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil
| Feature | Hemp Seed Oil | Full-Spectrum Hemp Oil (CBD Oil) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Cold-pressed from hemp seeds | Extracted from flowers, leaves, and stalks |
| Primary Compounds | Essential fatty acids (Omega-3 and 6), vitamins, and minerals | Cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, etc.), terpenes, flavonoids |
| Amino Acid Content | Negligible; amino acids are in the seed protein | None; primarily cannabinoids |
| Best Used For | Culinary purposes, skincare, nutritional supplementation | Therapeutic and wellness purposes |
| Psychoactive? | No THC | Contains trace amounts of THC (<0.3%) |
The Role of Edestin and Albumin
The amino acids within hemp seeds are primarily bound within two main proteins: edestin and albumin. Edestin is the most abundant, making up 60-80% of hemp protein, and is highly digestible. This easy digestibility is a significant advantage of hemp protein, allowing the body to efficiently use its amino acids for tissue repair and other functions.
Conclusion
To get the amino acids from the hemp plant, you must look beyond hemp oil and instead focus on hemp seeds or hemp protein powder. These products provide all nine essential amino acids, making them a complete, plant-based protein source. With its high levels of arginine and other key nutrients, hemp seeds offer a potent nutritional boost, particularly for those on a vegan or plant-based diet. For those seeking therapeutic benefits from cannabinoids, a full-spectrum hemp (CBD) oil is the more appropriate choice, but it contains no significant protein or amino acids. For further scientific data on hemp's nutritional profile, consult reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health.
