The fatty acids omega-3 and -6, as found in hempseed, is suspected to correct a chemical imbalance causing major depression:
Published last month, the study “Changes in plasma levels of endocannabinoids and oxylipins in adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: a case-control study” Research from the Children’s Hospital of the University of Zurich, in Switzerland, in collaboration with other pediatric research centers in the country and with King’s College London, United Kingdom, revealed that adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder have lower levels of oxylipins and endocannabinoids, derived from the metabolism of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to reducing inflammation and stress associated with depression.
After analyzing the plasma of 82 young people diagnosed with depression, the research team discovered that they had significant deficiencies in these two molecules, especially in DHA derivatives (a type of omega-3 essential for the brain), unlike the young people who were part of the control group.
Oxylipins are signaling molecules that the body produces to control inflammation; while endocannabinoids (substances produced by all mammals and other species, identical to the cannabinoids produced by the plant) help ensure homeostasis, or balance, of our vital functions, and are also fundamental for regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and the processing of pleasure and reward sensations.
Among depressed young people, for example, levels of anandamide (an endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, known as the “happiness molecule” for its biological functions, whose name originates from the Hindi word “ananda” or ecstasy) were 14% lower than in the young people in the control group. (reduction from 678 pg/mL in the control group to 586 pg/mL in the study group).
Regarding the hormone For DHEA, the reduction observed was 22% (from 642 pg/mL to 499 pg/mL), and for the fatty acid EPA, it was 14% (from 139 pg/mL to 120 pg/mL).
Click here to read the study.