Hemp oil or Hempseed oil — not to be confused with it’s wilder, headline-grabbing cousin hash oil — is the nutty, flavorful oil that comes from the raw seeds of the hemp plant. While the health benefits of hash oil are questionable, hemp oil benefits arent: It’s a documented dietary supplement and beauty aid.
So What Exactly Makes Hemp Oil Healthy?
Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They are a good source of tocopherols or Vitamin E antioxidants. They’re packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, plus microelements like strontium, thorium, arsenic, and chromium.
High in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and omega 3, hemp oil can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. Several studies show that the linoleic acid present in hemp oil can slow down the aging process and fight psoriasis.
Benefits of Hemp Oil:
1. Maintain a Hormonal Balance
Hemp is the only edible seed that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is eventually converted to the protective hormone prostaglandin PGE1 that regulates the hormonal balance and supports menopausal health.
2. Regenerates and Energizes The Skin’s Protective Layer
Due to its high content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, hemp oil has a composition similar to skin lipids, which makes it an excellent natural emollient and moisturizer. It is especially useful for dry, tired or dehydrated skin and nails. It increases the skin elasticity and water retention capacity in tissues. Pure hemp oil can be used to treat dry hair and is often included in hair conditioners.
3. Great For Vegetarians
Getting the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be tricky for vegetarians and vegans. Hemp oil has the optimal ratio of these acids.
4. Helps Lower Cholesterol
The only vegetable oil to contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (3:1), hemp oil can help lower cholesterol levels by accelerating metabolic processes. With a faster metabolism, fats burn at a quicker rate and are not deposited on the artery walls.
5. Good For Diabetes
Due to its low carbohydrate and sugar content, hemp oil is can be a great food additive for diabetics. The nutrients present in it can help moderate blood sugar levels.
6. Help Prevent Psoriasis
Psoriasis is caused by a deficiency of omega-6 fatty acids in the body. The fatty acids present in hemp oil help improve skin oxygenation and hydration.
7. Boost Your Immunity
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids also improve immunity and regulate intestinal flora, thus building a natural barrier against microbes and increasing the resilience of the body.
8. Help Prevent Demyelination Of Nervous System
Essential fatty acids are necessary for a healthy cell membrane structure. They also prevent the demyelination, the destruction of the myelin sheath (a membrane that protects the nerve cells).
9. Help Prevent Varicose Veins
Like other compounds high in omega-3s, hemp oil can thin your blood, reducing blood clots and varicose veins.
10. Good for Heart Health
Hemp seed oil has a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, a balance that has been shown to support heart health and promote proper cardiovascular function.
11. Excellent Nutrition for Your Brain
Hemp seed oil contains 85% essential fatty acids (EFAs), and an optimal 6:1 ratio of omega-6 fatty acid (linoleic acid) to omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linoleic acid, not to be confused with alpha lipoic acid). Linoleic acid plays a critical role in brain health, and has been linked to better mental health. Omega-3 fatty acids like alpha linoleic acid play an important role in eye health.
12. It's a Mercury-Free Fatty Acid Supplement
Taking a fish oil supplement can increase omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, a nutrient that is essential for brain development, immune system health, and mood regulation. However, fish contains a great deal of mercury which can hinder neurological and developmental mechanisms. Fortunately, hemp seed oil works as a terrific alternative to traditional omega-3 fatty acid supplements and doesn't carry the same risk of mercury ingestion.
13. Pain Reliever
Many individuals suffer from chronic pain which may manifest in muscles, organs, joints, body cavities, ligaments. Pain may also occur due to the diseases. Chronic pain associated with diseases may leave the patient incapacitated and functionless. Hemp oil promotes pain relief, supports muscles, healthy joints and organ function. Hemp oil interacts with the Endocannabinoid system and impacts the nociceptive pathways which help in reduction of inflammation that acts as a leading cause of chronic pain and disease.