Oxidative stability of flax and hemp oils

Oxidative stability of flax and hemp oils, and of flax and hemp oils stripped of their minor components, was evaluated in the dark at 60 degrees C and under fluorescent light at 27 degrees C. Several analytical methods were used to assess the oxidative stability of oils. Oil extracts were also investigated for their scavenging of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and for their total phenolic contents. The results indicate that bioactive constituents of these edible oils play a major role in their oxidative stability. However, the FA composition of the oils and their total content of tocopherols as well as the type of pigments present contribute to their stability. Nonstripped flax and hemp oils were more stable than their corresponding stripped counterparts. Furthermore, nonstripped hemp oil had a higher oxidative stability than nonstripped flax oil as evidenced by scavenging of DPPH radical and consideration of total phenolic contents.