Hemp Seed Oil Benefits

Hemp Seed Oil

Derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, hemp seed oil provides quality nutrients that are beneficial to your health.

Despite its association with cannabis, hemp seed oil does not contain THC or the intoxicating effects of marijuana. Hemp seed oil is a wonderful alternative cooking oil that is low in saturated fat yet high in nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your healthy eating plan.

Provided in this article is everything you need to know about hemp seed oil, from its unsavory, undeserved reputation to ways you can incorporate this wonderful oil into your daily routine.

Hemp Seed Oil Vs. Cannabis Oil

First and foremost, we must get one thing straight: hemp seed oil is vastly different from cannabis oil. The main difference being that hemp seed oil contains very little THC.

THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, which is responsible for its intoxicating effects. You could attempt to smoke a forest of hemp and would not experience the effects of cannabis.

These two are cousins, but there are more differences between the two than similarities, for example, hemp seed oil is derived specifically from the seeds of the cannabis plant. Cannabis oil, on the other hand, DOES include THC, delivering the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

It’s important that these two oils don’t get confused with one another as they provide entirely different products and different health benefits. Hemp has proven to be such a useful and wonderful product that 39 states have turned a leaf on the subject, becoming pro-cannabis legislation.

Lots of research has gone into the benefits of hemp. Hemp does not just benefit your health, however, in fact, hemp is capable of creating several high-quality products: construction materials, beauty products, clothing, automobile parts, paper, and even biofuel.

Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

As previously mentioned, hemp seed oil can be used as an alternative cooking oil due to the fact that it is high in nutrients yet low in saturated fat. Once you get past hemp seed oils outdated reputation, you will see that this wonderful oil can provide you with numerous health benefits. Provided below are some benefits to incorporating hemp seed oil into your diet:

1) Nutrients

By using hemp oil in your cooking, you can infuse your meal with vitamins and nutrients. Although this shouldn’t be your only source of vitamins and nutrients, hemp seed oil is a great oil alternative and a wonderful supplement.

Hemp oil contains small amounts of magnesium, potassium, folate, copper, vitamin E, and vitamin B-6. Another benefit to incorporating hemp seed oil into your cooking?

It contains all of the amino acids essential to a healthy and balanced diet. Its important to get all of the amino acids into your diet because it helps with the synthesis of protein, helping to prevent muscle loss.

2) Good Fats

There are good fats and there are bad fats. Fortunately, hemp seed oil is a major source of good fats. A single tablespoon of hempseed oil contains 14 grams of good fat, while only 1 gram of fat is saturated. Not bad.

This source of good fats makes it a great substitute for other fatty sources, such as butter or lard. By increasing your intake of good, unsaturated fats while lowering your intake of bad, saturated fats, you may increase your cardiovascular health. One study found that hemp seed oil may even reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

Hemp seed oil contains a good ratio of omega-3 fatty acids to omega-6 fatty acids, a 3-6 ratio to be exact. This balance of omega-3s helps to prevent blood clots, decrease inflammation, and lower your risk of cancer. Last but not least, fatty acids are instrumental in cognitive health, helping to increase your brain power.

3) Antioxidants

Another benefit to consuming the fatty acids provided by hemp seed oil is its delivery of antioxidants to the body. These antioxidants scavenge free radicals and help repair the cellular damage.

By preventing and repairing damage done to your body by these toxins and free radicals, you help reduce your risk of developing cancer.

4) Healing Properties

Hemp seed oil contains a wide variety of healing properties that can help improve your health and beauty care routine. By using hemp seed oil, you can enjoy the following properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant, and skin regenerative.

Uses of Hemp Seed Oil

Given all of the health benefits provided in hemp seed oil, there are many ways you can use it. Its versatile nature ensures that you will find at least one way to incorporate hemp seed oil into your life.

Treat Psoriasis and Eczema

A large source of omega fatty acids, the anti-inflammatory nature of hemp seed oil can help treat skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema. Meanwhile, the fatty content prevents the skin conditions from coming back, keeping your skin hydrated and oxygenated.

Acne

Maintaining a diet rich in omega-fatty 3 acids can help keep acne at bay. The high content of omega-3s reduces redness and inflammation of blemishes and may even prevent the eruption of future breakouts.

Topical treatments are rough on the skin and may even make matters worse. Consuming hemp seed oil is a more gentle alternative treatment.

Anti-Aging

There are several ways in which hemp seed oil helps to counteract the distorting effects of aging on your skin. First of all, and possibly, most importantly, it keeps your skin hydrated.

Skin begins to crack and show fine lines when it is dry. Secondly, hemp seed oil contains antioxidants, which helps eradicate free radicals that can wreak havoc on the appearance of your skin.

And finally, hemp seed oil improves the functioning of epidural lipids of the skin–this means it protects the outer layer of your skin. All of these benefits combined help to maintain a youthful and properly hydrated complexion.

Improve Scalp and Hair Health

Hemp seed oil protects and adds vital moisture to your hair and scalp. In fact, you may notice that some commercial conditioners include pure hemp oil in its list of active ingredients.

Hemp seed oil improves the moisture content and the texture of the hair. This healing oil also helps to maintain a good moisture balance of the scalp and helps prevent hair fall.

Cardiovascular Health

As previously mentioned, hemp seed oil contains unsaturated fats such as omega-3s, which are great for your heart health. This healthy oil helps to boost metabolism while lowering cholesterol.

Reduces Inflammation

Hemp seed oil can help treat the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Consuming a tablespoon of hempseed oil everyday can help maintain pain and inflammation.

Improve Cognitive Functioning

Hemp seed oil contains vital nutrients and fatty acids that are necessary for brain development, particularly in the first year of life. Mothers may find that supplementing with hemp seed oil during pregnancy will improve and protect the development of their baby’s brain and eyes.

Hemp seed oil contains DHA, which is especially beneficial in the eye-brain development of a baby.

Boosts Immune System

Given its content of nutrients, fatty acids, and antioxidants, hemp seed oil is great for the immune system. The fatty acids found in hemp seed oil encourage the proliferation of gut flora, which helps support the immune response. Be sure to include hemp seed oil into your diet during cold and flu season.

Side Effects

Hemp seed oil has many wonderful qualities, however, there are some risks and side effects when it is not used properly. Hemp seed oil may not be suitable for the use of some people.

• When using hemp seed oil, do not heat it up. Heating up hemp seed oil turns the unsaturated fats into saturated fats.
• People who take blood thinners or who suffer from heart disease should not use hempseed oil as hemp seed oil has anti-coagulant effects.
• Hemp seed oil may increase one’s risk for developing prostate cancer. Due to hemp seed oils cell regenerating effects, it may also help promote the growth of tumors and certain cancers.
• When taken in high amounts, hemp seed oil may cause gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.