Source: https://www.blueskyhempventures.com/blue-sky-thinking/12-incredible-uses-for-hemp-seed-oil/
What if there was a natural product that was so versatile that you could eat it raw to boost digestive health, heart health, brain health, reduce inflammation and improve chronic skin conditions? Or apply it topically for soft skin, acne relief, and to promote collagen production? If you’re thinking CBD, you’d be wrong (although CBD also boasts a long list of incredible of uses). We are talking about Hemp Seed Oil – readily available in your local grocer and available wholesale from us!
While this article focuses on the benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for human consumption, we could write an encyclopedia of other uses including pet food supplements, animal feeds, along with sustainable industrial applications for paint, varnishes, sealants, lubricants, inks and even plastics.
12 Incredible Uses for Hemp Seed Oil
What if there was a natural product that was so versatile that you could eat it raw to boost digestive health, heart health, brain health, reduce inflammation and improve chronic skin conditions? Or apply it topically for soft skin, acne relief, and to promote collagen production? If you’re thinking CBD, you’d be wrong (although CBD also boasts a long list of incredible of uses). We are talking about Hemp Seed Oil – readily available in your local grocer and available wholesale from us!
While this article focuses on the benefits of Hemp Seed Oil for human consumption, we could write an encyclopedia of other uses including pet food supplements, animal feeds, along with sustainable industrial applications for paint, varnishes, sealants, lubricants, inks and even plastics.
So, What’s The Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil?
At Blue Sky Hemp Ventures, our Hemp Seed Oil and CBD Oil are both extracted from sustainably farmed, industrial hemp – derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. However, a hemp plant contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the primary psychoactive compound responsible for the high sensation associated with using cannabis.
CBD Oil is produced by an extraction process from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, which contains high quantities of CBD – known for its medicinal and therapeutic benefits – but still won’t get you high. CBD oil is legal in Canada, but highly regulated and can only be purchased through licensed producers. Blue Sky expects to be fully licensed in the coming weeks. (More on that soon!)
In contrast, Hemp Seed Oil is produced by cold pressing the seeds of the plant and not the flower and leaves. Therefore, Hemp Seed Oil typically contains no THC or CBD (cannabidiol) at all, but still possesses a host of health benefits and can be easily sourced and purchased in shops, online and through wholesale producers like Blue Sky.
Not to be confused with Hemp Oil – which is another name for both CBD Oil and Hemp Seed Oil. Got it?
Good.
Benefits of Consuming Hemp Seed Oil
The title of this section makes hemp oil seem like a hard pill to swallow, but really it’s anything but. Hemp Seed Oil is in fact very tasty and should really be viewed as a pantry cupboard staple with the toiletries cabinet benefits.
Hemp Seed Oil contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the perfect 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio which can help the body metabolize fat (if you’re into that sort of thing).
It also contains:
- antioxidants (Vitamin E),
- carotene (precursor to VitaMediamin A)
- phytosterols
- phospholipids
and a number of minerals including:
- calcium
- magnesium
- sulfur
- potassium
- phosphorus
- iron
- zinc
Studies suggest that the rich nutrient profile of Hemp Seed Oil provides the following benefits when taken orally:
- Promotes Heart Health: High levels of omega-6 and omega-3 in the ratio 3:1. These essential fatty acids reduce cholesterol levels in the blood due to their β-sitosterols content and that helps prevent heart disease. Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) in Hemp Seed Oil is known to reduce inflammation which prevents the type of heart disease that is usually caused by inflammation.
- It’s an Immune System Booster: The essential fatty acids in Hemp Seed Oil are required by the body to synthesize endocannabinoids whose function is to strengthen the immune system. That makes it a good idea to regularly take Hemp Seed Oil as an immune-enhancing supplement.
- Hormone Balancing: Scientists have found out that the GLA found in Hemp Seed Oil may improve hormone health and reduce symptoms associated with PMS such as menstrual cramps. It can also improve hormone health in older women going through menopause and reduce their symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and depression. Studiesshow that supplementation with fatty acid GLA does not cause any side effects.
- Assists in Weight Loss: Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp seeds can reduce sugar cravings and is a natural appetite suppressant that helps in weight loss as you take in fewer calories.
- A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory: Helpful to people who suffer from arthritis and other inflammatory diseases, GLA found in Hemp Seed Oil is known for its ability to fight inflammation. Scientists believe that it may be effective for the treatment of fibromyalgia as well.
- For Pain Relief: Many people use Hemp Seed Oil as a form of natural pain relief because it reduces pain when ingested or applied topically. When this is combined with its anti-inflammatory properties, it becomes a useful ally for injuries, infections or autoimmune disorders that cause pain.
- For Improved Cognitive Functioning: The essential fatty acids found in Hemp Seed Oil are known to improve memory and prevent age-related brain function decline. Studies also suggest that Hemp Seed Oil can reduce the symptoms of depression and lessen anxiety.
- Enhanced Digestive Health: Although specific research on Hemp Seed Oil for digestive health is not yet available, we do know the omega-3 essential fatty acid found in Hemp Seed Oil are known to reduce any inflammation in the digestive tract and may relieve some digestive tract problems such as inflammatory bowel disorder. In addition, the fatty acids in Hemp Seed Oil promote the good microbes in the gut flora which improves digestion and overall digestive health.
Read more
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Hemp oil is packed with healthy fatty acids — here’s why that’s great news for your skin and heart
Hemp oil is packed with healthy fatty acids — here’s why that’s great news for your skin and heart
This article was medically reviewed by Zlatin Ivanov, MD, who is certified in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology at Psychiatrist NYC.
Medically Reviewed
- Hemp oil comes from seeds that grow on Cannabis sativa, the same plant species that yield marijuana.
- Hemp oil has a healthy balance of fatty acids that may help boost skin and heart health.
- One tbsp of hemp oil offers over twice your daily value of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.
Hemp oil comes from the same species of Cannabis sativa plants that yield marijuana and CBD oil, but it’s a decidedly different product.
Hemp oil, aka hemp seed oil, is produced by cold-pressing the seeds from hemp plants, similar to how olive oil is made by pressing olives.
However, hemp seeds have little to no THC or CBD, says Jeffrey Chen, MD, co-founder and CEO of Radicle Science, a health-tech company that offers research and validation services for CBD products.
Instead, many of hemp oil’s purported health benefits come down to its nutrients: Hemp oil is a rich source of minerals and healthy omega fatty acids, which may help with skin, hair, and nail health among other things. However, research is still in the early stages.
Hemp nutrition
One tablespoon of hemp oil contains roughly 125 calories and 14 grams of fat (18% DV). In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of other nutrients, including:
- Polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In particular, hemp oil contains alpha-linolenic and gamma-linolenic fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. That’s important since persistent inflammation can lead to chronic health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Protein: Hemp seeds are a complete protein because they contain all the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own.
- Minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. Minerals play an important role in heart, brain, and muscle function.
- Vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, which are essential for immunity and disease prevention.
- Dietary fiber, which keeps your digestive system working smoothly.
Researchers attribute most of hemp oil’s benefits to its healthy balance of fatty acids. Below are some of the science-backed benefits of hemp oil.
Helps treat skin conditions like acne and eczema
Studies suggest that the omega fatty acids in hemp oil can help improve inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, says Chen. Here’s what some of the research has found so far:
- A small 2005 study that included 20 participants with eczema noted significant improvements in their skin upon taking two tablespoons of hemp oil for eight weeks. The participants reported less skin dryness and itching, and some found that they no longer needed as much medication to manage their condition.
- According to a 2014 review, the omega fatty acids in hemp oil strengthen cell membranes, making the skin more resistant to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. The review also notes that applying crushed hemp leaves to your skin can help treat a skin condition known as scabies.
- There is also anecdotal evidence that consuming hemp oil daily can help strengthen your skin, hair, and nails, by fortifying your cell membranes; however, further research is required to substantiate these claims.
May improve heart health
Hemp oil doesn’t just have an abundance of healthy omega fatty acids — it contains them in the “perfect” balance. Chen says hemp oil has a 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, which is potentially an optimal ratio for improved cholesterol levels and heart health.
By comparison, other oils such as vegetable oils, have more omega-6 and fewer omega-3 fatty acids, which could contribute to inflammation and heart disease.
However, it’s important to note that while hemp oil contains the fatty acids associated with improved heart health, Chen says there isn’t sufficient evidence yet to prove that hemp oil, specifically, can prevent or improve heart disease. Studies conducted in insects and animals show promise, but further research is required in humans.
Other benefits include pain relief and improved brain health
Some other potential benefits of hemp seed oil include:
- Pain relief, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
