Know The Best Hemp Oil Benefits

Hemp seed oil is often confused with CBD oil or Cannabidiol oil, which is full spectrum oil from the Cannabis sativa plant. Risks of intoxication from hemp seed oil is negligible as it contains low levels (less than 0.3%) of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for giving people a “high” after consuming marijuana.

Although, both hemp seed oil and CBD oil come from the cannabis sativa, they are extracted from different parts of the hemp plant. While CBD oil is made from the stalks, leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, hemp oil is exclusively made from the seeds of the hemp plant. Here we are concerned only with hemp seed oil that is rich in nutrients and is typically extracted for culinary purpose as well as for improving the health of your skin, nail, and hair.

What are the main benefits of hemp oil?

Rich in nutrients and essential fatty acids, hemp seed oil make a great addition to your diet. Due to its rich nutrient profile, it’s often referred to as a superfood. Besides nutrition, hemp seed oil provides the following benefits.

Skin health

Hemp seed oil is nutritious and rich in vitamins and fatty acids like omega-3, beneficial for skin health. It helps to prevent acne, keeping skin clear, smooth, and radiant. Studies on the lipid profile of hemp oil reveals that it’s rich in healthy oils and fatty acids. The high level of fatty acids in this oil makes it apt for nourishing skin and preventing inflammation, oxidative damage and other factors that add to skin aging. During the same study it was revealed that topical application of hemp oil improves strength of skin and its ability to resist infection. Further it was suggested that hemp seed oil may be used to treat skin problems including eczema, dermatitis,

psoriasis and rosacea. These benefits of hemp oil were attributed to the presence of fatty acids and other beneficial compounds.

Brain health

Hemp seed oil is abundant in fatty acids, required for proper functioning of human brain. Presence of other beneficial compounds in hemp oil provides protection to the brain. Research on mice revealed that active compounds present in hemp seed extracts provide protection against inflammation in brain. The study further stated that polyphenol, the compound present in hemp seed oil, may have played an important role in protecting the brain in mice studies. However, more research needs to be done, and with humans, to arrive at conclusions regarding the brain-related benefits of hemp oil.

Heart health

The nutritional profile of hemp seed oil outlines its multiple health benefits, and heart health is prominent among them. Hemp oil contains arginine, an amino acid that improves cardiovascular health. Studies reveal that consuming foods high on arginine can help to lower risks associated with heart disease. The same study found that alpha-linolenic acid, a fatty acid present in hemp oil, may have helped in lowering risks of cardiovascular disease. However, the study was done on animals and more research on humans need to be done to arrive at a definite conclusion.

Side effects of hemp seed oil

Hemp seed oil is generally safe if there is no contamination of seeds with other parts of the cannabis sativa plant. The US Food and Drug Administration has termed hemp seed oil as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), implying that it can be safely used on humans. However, it’s good to read labels before purchasing hempseed oil. Many consumers fail to distinguish the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil, posing a great risk to themselves. In case you get an allergic reaction from hemp seed oil, discontinue usage immediately.

The bottom line

Multiple health benefits are attributed to hemp seed oil, but it’s advisable to consult your doctor before applying it topically or ingesting its supplements. And make sure that the hemp seed oil come from a reliable brand to avoid effects of THC contamination.