Hemp oil has recently attracted more attention due to its easy availability and wide-spread applications, but what is hemp oil good for? What is the effect of hemp oil on the body? Where does it come from? Not everyone knows that hemp oil is not the same as cannabidiol (CBD) oil. Hemp seed oil comes from the small seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, while CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves, and stems, of the cannabis plant. Both products tend to have low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and do not cause ‘high” effect. While the seeds do not contain the same concentrations of compounds as the plant itself, they still contain valuable nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds, essential for improving health. Both products have low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and do not cause a ‘high’, leaving you fine to go about your door unclouded. Hemp seeds resemble small, light 3-4 mm thick peanuts, surrounded by a brown, thin, glassy shell. One hectare of plantation can collect about 1 ton of seeds, which produce almost 350 litres of oil. Hemp oil is made by cold pressing the seeds. The final product has a dark colour and a distinct, nutty flavour. It should be stored in the refrigerator (up to three months) to ensure its longevity.
Nutritional values of hemp oil
It’s no surprise hemp seed oil is growing in popularity due to its long list of health benefits. The oil is nutrient-rich and comprises healthy fatty acids, protein, and carbohydrates. Research has shown that it contains as much as 80% of your daily unsaturated fatty acid requirements, including omega-3 and omega-6, in a very favourable 3: 1 ratio (these acids must be supplied to the body from the outside). Its composition also includes other acids: oleic, palmitic, gamma-linolenic, proteins, amino acids, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids, vitamins B, A, K and E, and minerals: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. It also contains many biologically active substances with anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties. These include tocopherol, terpenes, and cannabidiol. Due to its composition, hemp oil has valuable healing properties. For these purposes, cold-pressed, unclean, and unfiltered oil is used.
Benefits of Hemp Oil on health
Due to its rich composition hemp seed oil is used as a remedy for a range of conditions. Hemp seed oil helps to protect the brain, because of the high fatty acid content, helping the human brain to operate at its peak. It also contains low levels of cannabinoids that can ease anxiety in people who have a social anxiety disorder. Hemp oil also has a positive effect on various heart issues, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol levels. Hemp oil can be used for natural pain relief, especially if the pain is a result of inflammation. It can be rubbed into the muscles after a workout or onto sore joints (due to injury, wear, tear, or inflammation). Also, human body’s essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil must synthesize endocannabinoids to strengthen the immune system. It can therefore be treated as a supplement that strengthens the immune system. Furthermore, it also enhances digestive health. Fatty acids found in hemp oil help support the good microbes in the gut, improving digestion, regulating hormones and digestive acids. Thanks to its high content of gamma-linolenic acid, Hemp oil improves hormone health and reduce symptoms associated with PMS such as menstrual cramp. It also helps stabilize hormone health of women going through menopause, reducing symptoms such as irritability, hot flushes, and depression. Anything else? What is hemp oil good for?
Hemp oil for beauty
Hemp oil also has a very good impact on skin as it moisturizes, reduces symptoms, and provide relief for several types of skin disorders including atopic dermatitis or inflammation of the skin, an illness typically characterized by itchiness, redness, and a rash. Hemp oil helps due to the presence of the “good” polyunsaturated fats. Hemp seed oil can also assist in weight loss. It contains GLA (gamma-Linolenic acid) that reduce sugar cravings and is a natural appetite suppressant. Hemp oil is also very effective in treating dry scalp and dull hair. It moisturises and adds shine to your hair and enhances hair growth. Additionally, when applying on the scalp, it can reduce the symptoms of several scalp health issues such as dryness, itchiness, and dandruff. Hemp oil is widely used in the cosmetic industry, and cosmetics with its content are popular not only among women but also among men.
The research on hemp oil is ongoing and relatively new, so there is a high chance that the current known benefits will be outnumbered by those benefits found in the future. Although historic laws have prevented researchers from exploring full potential of cannabis plants in many countries, the future of research on hemp oil looks promising as the benefits being seen cannot be ignored. Finally, it is essential to ensure that hemp seed oil comes from a reliable manufacturer.
