Hemp seeds, flaxseed and açaí berries: Health benefits and nutritional importance with emphasis on the lipid content

Abstract

Some plant seeds and berries have gained increased recognition due to their wide variety of bioactive compounds. Many of these foods are rich in lipids with high nutritional value, of which n-3 and n-6 essential fatty acids stand out. However, knowledge of these foodstuffs’ chemical composition and biological activity and their value as a source of healthy lipids is far from being fully explored. The benefits of the intake of hemp seeds, flaxseed and açaí berries, considered functional foods, have been compiled in this review. Likewise, their general chemical composition will be described to evaluate their relevance in a healthy diet, highlighting their lipid components and nutritional lipid indices. The fibres and essential fatty acids of hemp seeds and flaxseed and the antioxidant properties of açaí berries provide them protective roles against several chronic non-communicable diseases and represent significant beneficial effects that add value to these healthy natural products. More research is needed to deepen the knowledge on their lipids’ molecular composition and bioactivity.