Cannabis is a relatively new crop in the United States, but it has a long and illustrious history. Hemp provides us with an opportunity to make our nation stronger while also tapping into America’s agricultural roots. Our country is starting to realize the true potential of hemp, which is far greater than anybody imagined. However, there is still a lot of uncertainty. We’re clearing up the murkiness around hemp oil and extract products to figure out how to use them safely in order to get their many benefits today.
Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant using a cold-press technique similar to that used in producing olive oil.
Despite the fact that hemp and marijuana (cannabis) are both members of the same plant family, Cannabis sativa, they are two distinct species with varying compositions. The most significant distinction is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in each. THC is a psychoactive component found in cannabis plants. It makes you feel euphoric.
Hemp has a THC content of less than 0.3 percent, which is lower than that of cannabis (up to 28%). As a result, hemp-derived products are unlikely to produce a “high” and are instead used for therapeutic reasons.
Health Benefits
Hemp seed oil’s high content of three polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid, is responsible for its many health advantages. Its ratio of omega-6 (linoleic acid) to omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) fatty acids is 3:1.
This 3:1 fatty acid ratio is considered optimal for human health benefits, according to experts.
Hemp oil has been shown to help with a variety of diseases and health issues, as follows:
Improved Skin
Hemp seed oil has been shown in a dermatology study to help with the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, often known as eczema. The fatty acids present in hemp seed oil are responsible for these outcomes, according to researchers.
Hemp seed oil can also be used to treat a variety of skin ailments, including cradle cap, psoriasis, and acne. Hemp seed oil also promotes the health of the skin by strengthening it and making it more resistant to infection.
Lower Blood Pressure
Hemp seed oil’s high amount of omega-3 fatty acids may help people with hypertension (high blood pressure) lower their blood pressure. To lower blood pressure, experts recommend including omega-3 fatty acid supplements together with antihypertensive drugs.
Promotes Heart Health
Hemp seed oil is high in linoleic acid. Linoleic acid has been shown in studies to significantly lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is known as “bad” cholesterol.
Lowering cholesterol levels lowers your risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease.
Pain Relief
Hemp seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties help to relieve pain. For natural pain relief, apply hemp seed oil directly to the painful area.
Inflammation Reduction
Hemp seed oil’s gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) has been found to reduce inflammation. Natural medicines high in GLA have been shown to help with inflammatory disease symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Supports a Healthy Pregnancy
Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and thus a useful supplement for expectant moms. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary throughout pregnancy, according to studies. They aid in the development of the baby’s brain and eyes and may also assist reduce maternal depression.
Hemp Oil Side Effects
Hemp oil, which is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant, has many health advantages. However, it’s essential to be aware of the possible hazards.
Lower Blood Pressure
Hemp seed oil’s ability to lower blood pressure may be problematic for individuals with chronically low blood pressure. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can occur for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Prolonged bed rest
- Pregnancy
- Significant blood loss
- Medications
- Heart problems
- Endocrine problems (hormone imbalances)
- Septic shock (a severe infection)
- Allergic reaction
- Neurally mediated hypotension (miscommunication between the heart and the brain)
- Nutritional deficiencies
Before utilizing hemp seed oil, talk to your doctor if you have any of the health problems described above.
Low blood pressure is also associated with an increased risk of surgical complications and mortality. Before and after surgery, your doctor may advise you to stop using hemp seed oil for a while.
Amounts and Dosage
Hemp seed oil does not have an established daily requirement from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but you may want to take hemp seed oil in order to benefit from its health advantages.
You can use hemp seed oil in a variety of ways, so the amount you take is determined by how much you use it and what health advantages you want to obtain. According on researchers, three tablespoons of hemp seed oil per day can provide the 3:1 fatty acid ratio required for a healthy diet if used regularly.
Hemp seed oil may be taken straight or used in salad dressings and other dishes. Hemp seed oil can also be used to cook with instead of olive oil.
1.4 grams of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are essential for brain development, learning, and memory.
- Calories: 125
- Total fat: 14 grams
- Saturated fatty acids: 1 gram
- Monounsaturated fatty acids: 2 grams
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids: 11 grams
Consult with your doctor before taking hemp seed oil since it is a supplement. Oral supplements are similar to any other nutritional supplement in that they should be taken only under the direct supervision of a health care professional.
If you’re using hemp seed oil topically, test a tiny amount first to ensure there are no skin reactions. Hemp seed oil can also be used as a carrier for an essential oil blend.
Cannabinoid Content
Hemp is only grown in countries where the concentration of THC, the psychotropic chemical in cannabis, is limited to 0.3 percent. Furthermore, hemp oil seeds have been found to lack any cannabinoids. As a result, hemp oil has no medical value and does not cause mind-altering effects.
Hemp oil, on the other hand, has a number of health advantages. It is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, with an appropriate omega-6 to omega-3 ratio for optimal health.
Cannabis oils, on the other hand, are high in pharmaceutically active cannabinoids. There are about 400 chemical components in cannabis plants, 60 of which are cannabinoids. THC and CBD are the most abundant cannabinoids, with various ratios in different oil strains depending on the plant species used to make it.
Hemp-derived CBD oil is the only exception; this is generally produced in nations where medical cannabis cultivation is restricted, but CBD isn’t prohibited by law. Cannabis leaves, stems, and flowers may be used to create pharmaceutical-grade oils known as hemp CBD oil or simply CBD oil. Hemp CBD oil is commonly made from lawfully grown medical cannabis plants because the amount of cannabidiol present in hemp is so little; therefore, a large quantity of plant material is required to produce a little amount of oil.