9 Hemp Oil Benefits | What Can Hemp Oil Do For You?
As more research comes out about hemp and cannabis and is more accessible, we are starting to learn all about the hemp plant's therapeutic benefits. However, there is still much confusion surrounding hemp and cannabis products.
The confusion generally lies in their differences, legality, and application or consumption. We must start at the basics before diving into the benefits.
What is hemp oil?
What exactly is hemp oil? Some people often confuse hemp oil with CBD or hemp extract. That confusion is caused by people classifying Hemp oil as any oil that comes from the hemp plant.
Although this is technically true, they are different based on where the oil is extracted from.
This oil can be gathered from the flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the hemp plant. Any oil gathered from the flowers, leaves, or stem is classified as CBD or Hemp Extract oil.
If the oil is extracted from the hemp plant seeds, then it is classified as Hemp seed Oil. It's important to know the difference between hemp and CBD oil because hemp seed oil is far cheaper than CBD oil.
This oil also does not contain cannabinoids like Cannabidiol (CBD). Be careful not to buy Hemp seed oil disguised as CBD oil. Click here to answer the question "What is CBD Oil."
What are the benefits of Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil, or Cannabis Sativa Hemp Seed Oil, has a long history in Eastern culture as a multi-purpose natural remedy. Despite its widespread popularity, prejudice related to its association with marijuana has kept it from everyday use in the West.
While the oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive element in cannabis or other cannabinoids, is still a cause for some concern.
Thankfully, education is prevailing, and the market for this oil is growing in the United States, with an increasing number of people seeking it out for its reported health benefits.
Hemp seed oil has been claimed to be a remedy for a variety of things. Some of the most common benefits are pain support, inflammation reduction, assistance with mood symptoms, increased heart health, boosting the immune system, Hormone balance, improved brain health, and skin and hair health.
The FDA has not approved these claims, but some studies and data suggest these claims' are correct.
The claims are primarily due to the high fatty acids content, including omega-3s, omega-6s, and vitamin E.
These fatty acids are important to our diet because the human body cannot produce these acids and are vital for all body system health. This is why hemp is considered a hemp superfood.
This oil is an ideal substitute for vegans who cannot get omegas from fish oils. Hemp oil contains a high amount of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid).
We can't make claims due to limited research, but there is a lot of research and studies on the benefits of Omega and Vitamin E. Other oils contain plant based omegas, oils like Flaxseed Oil.
1. Soothes Pain and Discomfort
Many people seek hemp seed oil to treat pain naturally without having to use prescription pain medication. What part of the hemp seed oil is the main contributor behind the assistance for pain?
Omega-3 fatty acids have been proven to assist with pain caused by inflammation. For example, after a strenuous workout or hard labor, it is common for inflammation to enter muscles or joints that were overworked.
When Omega-3's are added to your diet, your body uses these fatty acids to reduce the amount of inflammation that causes joints and muscles to become swollen and sore. (1)
If you suffer from nerve-related pain, hemp seed oil may be able to help with that too. In a clinical study performed on mice, researchers noticed that when they added omega-3 to the diet of the mice, there was a reduction in neuronal cell decay.
They also noticed an increase in recovery to stress and peripheral nerve damage. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to reduce neuronal damage and support recovery following nerve-based injuries. (2)
With this information, it is safe to conclude that taking hemp oil daily may reduce inflammation-related pain and support the recovery of nerve-based ailments. The main contributing factor is the omega fatty acids present in the oil.
2. Supports Inflammation Reduction
It's important to understand that inflammation is normal. Inflammation is the way our bodies deal with injuries. It helps protect the injured area from becoming damaged further, but this also causes these areas to become swollen and sore.
People with Arthritis have an overproduction of inflammation, causing severe swelling and pain.
The omegas in hemp oil, as mentioned above, can help put a halt to the overproduction of inflammation. Omega-3 may help regulate inflammation production.
When hemp seed oil is applied topically, the oil absorbs into the skin and can assist with surface inflammation.
When ingested, the body absorbs the fatty acids and helps with internal inflammation. You can use hemp oil for skin to receive several other benefits. (1)
3. Balanced Mood Support
Many people struggle with mood-related issues, whether that be anxiety, depression, or stress. Studies propose that a highly concentrated dose of Omega-3, varying from 200-2,000mg per day, may reduce anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms.
In this study, researchers to a randomized group of college students and administered to part of that group an omega supplement, and the other half was given a placebo.
After 12 weeks, those taking the omega supplement showed a significant decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms. Whereas the placebo group saw no change. (3, 4, 5)
One tablespoon of hemp seed oil has roughly 3,000mg of plant-based omega-3's. Taking either an omega supplement or hemp oil may assist with balancing mood and other mental-related issues.
4. Increase Heart Health
Hemp seed oil may improve heart health due to the high levels of fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3 in a 3:1 ratio.
Hemp oil is perfectly balanced to provide nutritional health for the heart, anymore omega-6, and it would be harmful.
Omega fatty acids may also assist in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood because of their β-sitosterols content.
Hemp Seed Oil also contains Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA), which is excellent for removing plaque build-up from the cell membranes and blood vessels.
The amino acid content found in this oil can increase nitric acid production, which the body uses to relax and dilate blood vessels. (6)
5. Support Healthy Brain Function
The omega fatty acid content present in hemp seed oil may benefit the brain, which requires healthy fats to function correctly.
The vitamin E, also found in the oil, may help prevent cell damage in the brain.
6. Assistance with Sleep
Sleep is highly vital to personal wellness. Lack of sleep can contribute to tiredness, reduction in concentration and focus, or more serious health-related issues like heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Studies have shown that many factors can cause us not to have a good night's sleep.
Common factors that often cause one to remain awake are discomfort, illnesses, anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep disorders. As explained above, Hemp oil's concentration of omega's can help with a few of these issues.
Small levels of omegas can help lower discomfort levels and feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. (1, 2, 3)
7. Support Hormone Balance
Studies performed suggested that both emotional or physical symptoms correlated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are possibly caused by a low prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). (7)
Hemp seed oil's GLA content may assist in the production of PGE1. Women with PMS who took 1 gram of omegas that included 210 mg of GLA noticed a decrease in their symptoms.
Hemp oil's gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) assists in the production of PGE1. The study showed that women with PMS who took 1 gram of fatty acids that included 210 mg of GLA experienced a notable decrease in symptoms.
8. Improve the look and feel of skin
Hemp oil for skin is safe for most people. Hemp can assist with moisturizing and soothing inflammation; it is naturally non-comedogenic, and it may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
These benefits are a direct result of omega-3 and omega-6 present in the oil.
Hemp oil for skin is non-greasy, and it is easily absorbed. It works well when added to body butter, massage oils, and lotions.
Rub or massage into sore joints or muscles to help reduce inflammation.
9. Increase Hair Growth and Strength
Hemp oil for hair often contains a high concentration of omega fatty acids. A controlled experiment occurred where a group of women experiencing hair loss was given a daily supplement of omega fatty acids.This study lasted over a period of 6 months.
At the end of 6 months, those women found a correlation between hair growth and the fatty acids present in Hemp seed oil.
Participants in this study saw an improvement in not only hair growth but thickness as well. (8)
Conclusion
Hemp oil is highly nutritious, and due to the contents of fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6, many benefits are available.
This is merely 9 of the most common benefits that this oil is known for assisting. Over time and as more research is performed, more benefits may come to light.
How to find the best Hemp oil
Hemp seed oil can be purchased from many places. The most important thing to consider when buying hemp seed oil is the origin, extraction process, and ingredients.
Like most products from plant-based sources, it's important to buy something grown organically and located where the environment hasn't been contaminated.
Our top recommendation is for hemp products originally grown in Canada or the United States.
The most superior extraction method is called cold-pressing. Oils gathered through being heated are often damaged, whereas oils gathered through the cold-pressing process remain whole and intact. Cold-pressed seed oils are far superior and offer more nutrition.
As far as ingredients go, there shouldn't be any. Hemp seed oil is perfectly fine without additives or fillers.
Zatural Hemp seed oil is organically grown, cold-pressed, sourced from Canada, and 100% virgin. With our 30-day money-back guarantee, our Hemp is the perfect addition to your wellness routine.
For educational purposes only FDA DISCLAIMER
*FDA DISCLAIMER -These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Comments
Hemp oils are very beneficial to our body. I remembered how my mum used to let me try her lip balms essential oils to relax my mind. It was so good.