The Major Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil. Credit: Medical News Today
Hemp seed oil is a beneficial oil derived from the hemp plant, Cannabis Sativa. Hemp seed oil is specifically harvested by cold compressing hemp seed which produces an unrefined clear green oil with a nutty flavour.
People often get confused when discussing hemp seed oil because they often mix it up with cannabinoid, referred to as CBD, and its psychoactive component tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly called THC. This is because they all come from the same hemp plant. However, as previously stated, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the hemp plant whereas CBD is made from other parts of the plants such as the stalks, leaves and flowers. THC comes from an entirely different strain of plant but is also composed of the stalks, leaves and flowers.
Hemp refers to a type of cannabis plant that contains 0.3% or less THC content such as Cannabis Sativa. In order to be able to farm and produce products from Cannabis Sativa legally it needs to follow that guideline. The reason people go through all the trouble of growing it is because hemp is a highly versatile plant that can be used to make clothes, rope, shoes, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and even biofuel. When it is pressed into hemp seed oil can be ingested and can be used as an ingredient in salad dressing, hair and skin cosmetic products, or even put into capsules as a supplement. This is a seriously powerful plant, and our own government is growing it. It was recently reported that the UK is the largest producer of legal cannabis in the world.
Hemp seed oil is rich in omega fatty acids such as omega-3, omega-6 and other trace amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hemp seed oil also contains plant sterols which help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is allowed to enter the body, phospholipids which helps the absorption and transportation of omega fatty acids through the body, and amino acids which are beneficial to your body's muscle development and strength. Hemp seed oil is also a plentiful source of Vitamin E which is an important nutrient your body needs to sustain many healthy bodily functions like brain, heart and vision health.
Hemp seed oil acts like an emollient when applied to the skin which smooths and hydrates you. It is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which help to replenish skin and strengthen it against loss of moisture. A study in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that the use of dietary hemp seed oil can reduce the appearance and symptoms of atopic dermatitis in around 20 weeks. Hemp seed oil has also been proven to help with acne-treatment, improve eczema, treat psoriasis, and even help with lichen planus.
The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seed oil are also extremely beneficial to your hair as they are moisturising, help strengthen weak hair and stimulate growth. A randomised controlled trial in 2015 found the hair density and thickness improved when women ingested hemp seed oil over a six-month basis. Hemp seed oil is perfect if you are struggling to grow a beard and want to stimulate and strengthen your hair. Say goodbye to your patchy beard!
Hemp seed oil contains the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid, also known as GLA, which has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on the body and helps to lower blood pressure. This is beneficial to those suffering with arthritis which is pain caused by joint inflammation or those suffering with cancer which is also caused by chronic inflammation. A study performed on medical students showed a decrease in inflammation and stress for the students that took supplements containing high concentrations of omega-3 like hemp seed oil.
To drastically improve chronic inflammation with natural remedies it has been recommended to combine hemp seed oil with turmeric. Turmeric is a natural ingredient that has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is shown to have amazing health benefits.
As previously stated, hemp seed oil is rich in gamma linoleic acid. There have been studies that show people with a sidet high in linoleic acid had a reduced cholesterol. A lower cholesterol reduces the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Heart disease is also caused by chronic inflammation which the GLA will also combat with its anti-inflammatory properties.
A 2011 study published in Reproductive Health indicates that the physical and emotional symptoms that come with PMS are possibly caused by prolactin sensitivity. This means you have a low amount of the hormone called prostaglandin E1, also known as PGE1. Hemp seed oil contains GLA which helps the production of PGE1. Women that ingested just 1 gram of hemp seed oil experienced a noticeable reduction in symptoms.
The brain requires a lot of healthy fats to operate properly. Hemp seed oil is saturated in healthy fatty acids and other compounds that help to protect the brain. A study on mice found that hemp seed oil was to protect the brain from inflammation and help memorable dysfunction. Scientists soon hope to carry these tests out on human subjects as they think it will be beneficial in the long run. Hemp seed oil is nutrient rich in Vitamin E which has antioxidant properties that protect your cells and is good for improving brian health.
There are lots of different ways to incorporate using hemp seed oil in your daily life. The benefits you receive from using hemp seed oil will depend on how you use it and what benefits you’re looking to obtain from it.
You Can Drink Hemp Seed Oil
The easiest option for you may be to buy a bottle of refined hemp seed oil and ingest it. Researchers estimate that three tablespoons of hemp seed oil a day (around 300 calories) can provide an efficient ratio needed for a healthy diet. If you plan to take hemp seed oil we do suggest speaking to your GP or healthcare provider beforehand.
You Can Take Hemp Seed Oil Supplements
You may find this easier than spooning down three tablespoons of hemp seed oil every day. With supplements the hemp seed oil is already weighed out beforehand and you just have to take your doses according to the package you buy with some water. Again, if you plan to take hemp seed oil we do suggest speaking to your GP or healthcare provider beforehand.
Tip: Mix your hemp seed oil supplements with turmeric supplements to boost their properties.
You Can Use Hemp Seed Oil Hair Products
A great and easy way to introduce hemp seed oil in your daily routine is by finding hair products that contain hemp seed oil. If you use hair products such as our Matte Lava Clay, which contains hemp seed oil as well as a host of other beneficial ingredients, you have a better chance of strengthening your hair and helping it grow thicker - as well as looking stylish as hell. The fatty acids hemp seed oil contains are nourishing and help to revive damaged hair.
You Can Use Hemp Seed Oil Skincare Products
It’s easy to include hemp seed oil in your grooming routine by picking a quality skincare product that includes hemp seed oil as a key ingredient. This will help with soothing any skin inflammation, redness, and keep your skin deeply hydrated.
Zheelana Cottam
Author
Zheelana is a writer based in Cardiff. She has a BA Honours in English and Creative Writing and is a certified TESOL teacher. When she isn’t out hiking in the lush Welsh countryside, she fills her days with reading, journaling, and going out for food.