Hemp Oil, dark to light green, is generated from the Cannabis Sativa Plant. Hempseed oil is good for skin and used in skin products as well. Hemp seed, with an approximate ideal balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, along with an abundance of iron plus vitamin E and essential amino acids, this nutritious food source is crushed to extract hemp oil that has umpty benefits.
Though, it also accompanies a minor risk of intoxication as the oil comes from food-grain strains of hemp.
Many people confuse between CBD oil and hemp seed oil. Some of them consider both as same as they are in the same cannabis family. But hempseed oil is listed under Cannabis Sativa Plant while CBD oil comes from cannabidiol, stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, hemp oil extracts.
What is Hemp?
Hemp is a plant of the family Cannabaceae that is grown for its fiber (bast fiber) as well as its edible seeds. Many industries use it in making a variety of commercial as well as industrial products comprising of ropes, textiles, clothing, footwear, food, paper, packing material, bioplastics, along with biofuel.
What are Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds, the small, pale-beige to dark-brown seeds are the edible part of the hemp plant (aka pot, ganja, weed, grass, Mary Jane, doobage). It encompasses a rich nutritional profile. These seeds contain over 30% fat and are especially rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3). Furthermore, these seeds are a rich source of Vitamin E as well as several minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc.
What are Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts are the hemp seeds whose fiber shell has been separated and are thus lower in fiber plus other nutrients in comparison to the whole hemp seeds.
Hemp oil features rich in nutrients, fatty acids, and useful bioactive compounds that help overcome health issues, such as inflammation. The oil is beneficial for healthy skin and prevents breakouts. Even in Naturopathic Medicine, doctors make use of hemp seeds or hemp seed oil in their treatments for better cure and health benefits.
In this article, we have listed some of the essential hempseed oil benefits in detail.
What are the Benefits of Hemp Seeds or Hemp Oil?
1. Provides relaxation
Hemp seeds are rich in minerals, especially magnesium, which keeps the entire body calm and relaxed. The compounds present in the oil, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are known to affect a person’s anxiety levels.
2. Grants Energy
Hemp seeds are a great source of iron (responsible for the formation of RBCs). Thus, they fulfill the oxygen requirement as well as take care of the energy level throughout the day.
3. Easily Digestible
Furthermore, The hemp seeds have a nutty flavor and valuable source of nutrients for digestive bacteria elimination. Naturopaths recommend the use of Hemp Seed Oil, one of the most balanced oils for human nutrition. The proteins ‘edestin’ and ‘albumin’ can be broken down quickly by the body. Also, all amino acids in the hemp powder are useful for repair and maintenance in the body.
4. Relieves Pain and Stress
The richness in antioxidants plus healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp make its oil potent to reduce pain and stress.
Read more: How Hemp Seed Oil for Anxiety Relief is beneficial?
5. Acts as a Moisturizer
Application of hemp oil keeps the skin hydrated and maintains its oil balance. Suitable for most skin types, it does not clog the pores.
6. Prevents Pimples/Acne
The application of hemp seed oil is also useful in reducing acne. Excessive dryness in the skin prompts the oil glands to secrete oil beyond the limit, which may trigger the stimulation of acne. To learn about some more home remedies for acne, click here.
7. May Reduce Symptoms of PMS and Menopause
The emotional and physical turmoil in every woman’s life results in PMS and cramps that interrupt daily life activities. Being rich in GLA, Hemp seeds may help overcome any such symptoms linked with PMS and menopause.
8. Reduces Chances of Heart Disease
The Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in hemp seeds lessens inflammation. Thus, it aids in reducing the chances of heart disease. Furthermore, the seeds have high levels of arginine (an amino acid that turns into nitric oxide). Nitric oxide helps dilate the blood vessels, also keeping the walls smooth and elastic. Thus benefit in managing a lowered BP and reduced chances of heart disease.
9. Weight loss
The rich fiber content in the seeds keeps you full and reduces sugar cravings by giving a feeling of satiety and thus, preventing you from overeating and gaining excessive weight.
10. Strengthens the Immune System
The naturally balanced 1:3 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in hemp seeds effectively strengthens your immunity.
11. Fights Bad Cholesterol and Skin Clots
The high cholesterol levels in the blood tend to form clots that can be broken down by the consumption of hemp seeds and oils.
12. Enhances mood
Omega-9 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin B are all found in the hemp seeds in bulk and play a key role in alleviating stress hormones. Thus, applying Hemp Oil results in boosting up the mood.
13. Preserves Brain Function
The neuroprotective properties of hemp seeds shield the functioning of the brain. Further, preventing any form of neurodegeneration. Adding hemp seeds to your diet might lessen the uncertainties of various neurological diseases such as migraines, brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, etc. Many Naturopath Doctors (NDs) exercise adding hemp seeds to the Diet Therapy Sessions of the patients for better brain functioning.
14. Reduces Inflammation
The health ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in hemp seeds along with the richness of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a polyunsaturated fatty acid together help to reduce inflammation. By overcoming inflammation, it becomes easy to manage the symptoms of chronic diseases such as:
- Heart disease
- Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease
- Arthritis
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
15. Benefits Skin Disorders
Hemp seeds are loaded with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that keep the skin moisturized and protected. Moreover, the application of hemp oil on the skin not only provides relief from itchiness but also prevents the clogging of pores. Besides adding hemp seeds/oil to your diet, using the oil or hemp-based products directly can be far more beneficial in skincare, especially with eczema as it improves the blood levels reducing the need for prescription medication.
16. Whole Hemp Seeds May Aid Digestion
Whole hemp seeds are a good source of fiber (both soluble and insoluble) and thus enhance the gastrointestinal system. The soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the gut that acts as a source of nutrients as well as regulates the blood and cholesterol levels. Whereas the insoluble fiber, adds bulk to the stool allowing it to pass smoothly. Further, aid in relieving constipation.
Is Hemp Oil Safe?
Hemp oil is extracted from the seed of the hemp plant, and this seed does not contain THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the psychoactive component of marijuana.
How Can We Add Hemp Seeds Into Our Diet?
Hemp seeds can be sprinkled on foods, crushed for oil, ground into protein powder as well as made into milk. Furthermore, they can be consumed raw, cooked, or roasted. Remember, an overdose might cause mild diarrhea because of its high-fat content. Listed below are some ways on how to add the superfood to your diet:
- Eat it raw as a snack.
- Grind the seeds and use it as a flavoring.
- Sprinkle it over salads.
- Add the seeds to smoothies.
- Sprinkle whole or ground seeds on oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt.
- Sprinkle the seeds on casserole dishes.
- Blend it with water to prepare hemp milk.
- Use hemp hearts to coat chicken or fish rather than using breadcrumbs.
- Toast the hemp seeds and enjoy it just as you enjoy popcorn.
- Use it as nut butter.
- Use its oil for cooking.
- Use hemp oil as a salad dressing.
- Bake with hemp seeds or others that are rich in omega-3s.
- Use it in meal bars or granola bars.
- Add it in recipes.
What are the Side Effects of Hemp Seeds?
Hemp seeds might cause few side effects (varying from person to person) including:
- Mild Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Throat irritation
- Bradycardia (Slow Heart Rate)
- Hypertension (High BP)
hope you dont mind me asking but would hemp seed oil be anygood for high blood pressure have tried dozens of medications also insomnia
thanking you
regards
jim curran
Hi Jim,
Hemp seed oil has shown good results in improving cardiovascular health mainly because of high polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega3 and omega6. I do not have any visible results in trials for hypertension but surely it can gradually help for Insomnia. You can try that with 10 ml in morning.
I am type two diabetic will it be safe for me to take hemp seed oil tablets?