Hemp Seed Oil

What Is Hemp Seed Oil?

Hemp seed oils are oils derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. The hemp plant is a variety of Cannabis sativa L, which is an herbaceous, dioecious plant believed to have originated from Central Asia.

Hemp seeds are hard, brown and kernel-like. This brown layer is a covering for the soft, delicate inner seed which is used to produce hemp seed oils, which are derived from raw hemp seeds. They are often cold-pressed — extracted without heat — and unrefined.

How is Hemp Seed Oil Used?

Hemp seed oils can be used for both nutritional and cosmetic purposes.

In terms of nutrition, hemp seed oil is packed with a wide range of nutrients. These nutrients include vitamins such as Vitamins A, D and E, and minerals including calcium, potassium and magnesium.

To add hemp seed oils into your diet, simply eat them as they are or add to cooked dishes. Hemp seed oils can be used as a dressing for salads as well as a replacement for butter on vegetables. Keep in mind, however, that pure hemp seed oil cannot be used for high-heat cooking. It has a low smoke point and all nutrients will be lost if cooked at high heats.

In terms of cosmetic applications, hemp seed oil is non-comodogenic — it does not clog your pores. The lipids present in these oils are similar to the lipids the skin produces naturally. Given this, these oils work with the body to help cleanse the skin and soothe any skin disorders. Hemp oils also contain linoleic acids which are essential for keeping the skin healthy. A natural humectant, hemp oils draw moisture to the skin, keeping the skin cells adequately moisturized. Hemp seed oil is also excellent at strengthening the scalp and reducing the appearance of dandruff.

To use hemp seed oils for either skin or hair, simply apply oils and massage into the area.

What are the Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil?

There are numerous benefits to the use and consumption of hemp seed oils. Here are just two examples.

Skin Health

A study conducted in 2014 took a closer look at the lipid profile of hemp seed oil and found it to be rich in healthy oils and fatty acids. This makes hemp oils an excellent option for nourishing the skin and preventing evident oxidative stress — wrinkles and dark circles.

In a review published in 2014, the authors suggest that the topical application of hemp seed oils strengthens the skin. The review also suggests that these oils are beneficial to the treatment of skin conditions such as;

• Eczema;
• Dermatitis;
• Psoriasis;
• Acne rosacea and;
• Varicose eczema

Brain Health

The human brain requires healthy fats to function optimally. Studies suggest the fatty acids present in hemp seed oils may be beneficial to the brain. Hemp seed oils are also rich in other compounds which may help protect the brain.

A study conducted on mice found that a hemp seed extract containing certain active compounds was able to help protect the brain against inflammation.

The authors of this study note that hemp seed oil contains polyphenols, a substance which may play a role in protecting the brain. While these studies are yet to be conducted on humans, the result of the study on mice holds significant promise.

Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oils are oils extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp seed oils are full of essential fatty acids (EFAs), vitamins and minerals.

Hemp seeds oils can be utilized for both nutritional and cosmetic purposes. Nutritionally, these oils can added into salads and vegetables as dressings. Cosmetically, these oils can be applied directly to the skin or hair.

Hemp seed oils are beneficial to the skin and the brain. The vitamins and fatty acids present in these oils aids in keeping the skin healthy. Also, these oils may aid in protecting the brain against inflammation. While there is still some stigma around the use of hemp, the many applications and health benefits will see hemp seed oil and other products becoming more common in daily use.