Hemp seeds are used to produce hemp seed oil. But they say that the entire plant too can be pressed to produce oil. The flavour of the cold pressed oil which has not yet been processed or refined, tends to be nutty, rich, and tinted in green. Once the refining is done, the hemp seed oil loses its color and the flavour is not too strong as well. There are many uses for hemp seed oil, which we shall be talking about in detail below.
Quick Overview
Hemp oil is used in soaps, lubricants, paints, and for other body care products as well. You can go ahead and rub the oil onto the skin directly, which will help treat the cracked and dry skin, or you can blend the hemp oil with other body oils and creams, and use it too. There are even those who use the oil as a dietary supplement because it has fatty acids in it when it is not refined. You can also use the oil as garnishing to improve the texture and taste of what you eat.
The shelf life of unrefined hemp oil is not that long. It can go rancid pretty soon unless of course, you store it somewhere dark and cool. That is why those who buy unrefined hemp seed oil buy small amounts of it. Unrefined versions of this oil are not good for cooking needs since the smoking point is low.
It is a natural moisturizing agent, which can be applied to the skin once you are done with a bath or a shower. You can massage the body with hemp seed oil, and improve the circulation in the body as well. You can use hemp oil to cook, but not for cooking that needs high heat. It gives the food a very crispy and nutty taste and can be a substitute for olive oil for when you have to garnish your salads.
Now that we gave you a gist of what hemp seed oil is all about, let’s take a look at the benefits it can provide.
Hemp Seed Oil Benefits:
There are many health benefits with regard to hemp seed oil. The oil helps bring into the body plenty of amino acids. This can save the body from various genetic mutations and types of cancer too. Research has shown that hemp seed oil can, in fact, help cure cancer, since there are essential and non-essential amino acids present in the oil. This is why, when the oil is used daily by cancer patients, the chances of them getting better are very high.
For Skin:
There are many fatty acids in hemp seed oil, which is very beneficial for your skin. These are fatty acids that would moisturize your skin the right way and nourish it in the best manner. Many of the beauty cosmetics, creams, lotions, and potions around the world have this oil in it as an active key ingredient. The reason why hemp seed oil has become so popular with the beauty industry is that there are almost no side effects of it and that it is one hundred percent natural and herbal by nature.
When you use hemp seed oil for the face and hemp seed oil for acne, you would notice how rich and healthy your skin turns out to be, and it makes the skin look vibrant and young as well. For those who use hemp seed oil regularly in their skincare regimes, also get the benefits of anti-aging as well. Moreover, hemp oil also prevents the skin from contracting disorders, such as eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, and acne.
For Hair:
If you are wondering whether hemp seed oil is good for your hair or not, you would be happy to know that it is. There are many benefits from this oil that your hair can use. Most herbal and non-commercial hair products, oils, shampoos, conditioners etc have hemp oil as an ingredient in them.
Just like we spoke about hemp in skin care products, and the massages thereof that help with the improvement of blood circulation in the skin, the same way the head and the brain get a lot of blood circulation boost using hemp seed oil for hair.
When you wash your hair with hemp oil shampoos and even conditioners too, your hair would grow out thick and nice and the texture would be awesome. And there would be no signs of dandruff too. This is why, hemp seed oil for hair is very beneficial and it can help reduce hair loss, bring down scalp infections, and more.
For Health:
Hemp seed oil is good for health because of the following:
1. It Has Alpha-Linolenic Acid:
There is a lot of alpha-linolenic acid in hemp seed oil. It is basically an Omega 3 fatty acid which is important for the organs in the body to function properly. The Alpha-Linolenic acid content is very similar to that of the omega 3 you find in fish oils, which help prevent depression, arthritis, and heart diseases too, say experts from the esteemed University of Maryland Medical Center. The alpha-linolenic acid can also bring down the lipoprotein cholesterol levels which are LDL’s or bad cholesterol in the body too.
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2. It Has Super Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids:
Experts say hemp seed oil is rich in super polyunsaturated fatty acids. It has a lot of stearidonic acids and gamma-linolenic acid in it. These may not be essential fatty acids that the body needs, but they help bring down signs and symptoms of many skin conditions, such as atop dermatitis.
3. It Has High Protein Content:
There is around 25 percent of protein in hemp seed oil, say experts from the esteemed Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine. And this has been proven to be true and recognised by authorities at the well-known Arizona Board of Regents too. This means, that the high-quality proteins you find in this oil give the body a lot of amino acids, which are similar in ratio to the amounts you find in eggs and meats.
It is because of the structure of the oil that the proteins find it easy to be digested by the body. And while it provides the body with a lot of proteins and amino acids, it does not bring into the body the calories that are not needed.
So here were the many benefits and hemp seed oil uses you should know. Now let us take a look at the side effects of using hemp seed oil.
Side Effects Of Hemp Oil
The oil is known to be used to treat health ailments that are minor and is also used as a dietary supplement as well and to promote good health too. This is why, hemp oil is known to be one of the most herbal and natural substances that the body can take because it is able to provide the body with essential fats and acids, which the body alone cannot make or produce. But, there are many side-effects which you should be aware of when you use hemp oil. Check them out below!
1. It Has Peroxides:
If you are thinking of using hemp oil for frying, you should stop and avoid the same. If it is used for frying, it should not exceed more than 121 degrees F, say experts. The polyunsaturated fats, when it comes into contact with very high heat temperatures, can turn into harmful peroxides. You can use the oil as a flavour enhancer in cold and warm dishes though, but not as a substitute for high-temperature frying.
2. It Can Cause Digestive Problems:
Many expert reviews have said that using hemp oil can cause minor side effects to the digestive system. It can make the stools soft, which, if left unchecked, can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea too. This can lead to loss of weight in high amounts and malabsorption as well. Studies are still on to substantiate the same, but it is said that those who have a history of digestive issues and disorders or IBS should stay away from hemp oil.
3. It Has Hallucinogenic Properties:
Experts say, hemp oil, which is derived from the plant, has a neurological chemical in it, known as THC. This is a chemical that is dangerous for the brain and the body since it can make you hallucinate, cause euphoria and high levels of anxiety as well if this oil is consumed on a daily basis. This is why, those who are using supplements are told not to use hemp oil and its products before they drive, use heavy machines or operate them since the hallucinogenic properties are high.
4. It May Aggravate Blood Disorders:
One more hemp oil side effect is that it can affect the bloodstream and the cardiac system too. The oil is known to affect the anticoagulant properties of the platelets in the blood and inhibit their production as well. Those who are being treated for blood clotting deficiency and cardiovascular issues or medical conditions related to it are told not to use hemp oil or their supplements.
So here was everything you needed to know about hemp oil and what it can and cannot do for your skin, hair, and the body overall. Do write in and let us know what you thought about this post.