Hemp Oil: Properties and Benefits

Hemp oil is used for the large number of properties it contains and for the good that its daily consumption does as part of a healthy diet.

What is hemp oil?

Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. They are considered one of the most nutritious plant foods, since hemp seeds have several properties, such as a quantity of healthy fats, proteins and essential minerals.

This oil does not contain cannabinoids and is a good addition to any diet.

It has been used as a natural remedy in eastern cultures for its nutritional and medicinal properties.

Is CBD oil the same as hemp oil?

The answer is no, it is true that CBD oil and hemp oil are derived from the cannabis plant, but they are derived from different parts of the plant. CBD is mainly extracted from the flowers of the plant, while hemp oil is made from the seeds.

What is hemp oil for?

It has a wide variety of properties, helps reduce cardiovascular problems and also offers preventive effects against diseases such as cancer.

It also has benefits for the scalp and skin care, thanks to its moisturizing and antioxidant properties. In the culinary field we can add to ready-made dishes, due to its earthy, nutty taste it is recommended to use it as a dressing in salads or to add it in smoothies, but it is not recommended to use it for frying or grilling.

Composition and characteristics of hemp oil

Fatty acid composition

  • palmitic acid (AGS): between 5 and 12%
  • palmitoleic acid (omega 7 AGMI): between 0 and 1%
  • stearic acid (AGS): between 1 and 4.5%
  • Oleic acid (AGMI omega 9): between 10 and 16%
  • linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): between 45 and 65%
  • α-linolenic acid (omega 3 PUFA): between 14 and 30%
  • Arachidic acid (AGS): between 0 and 2%
  • eicosenoic acid (omega 9 AGMI): between 0 and 1%

Where is hemp oil extracted from?

It is extracted from seeds of industrial hemp cultivation, completely legal and suitable for cultivation, this is possible thanks to the control over the levels of THC they produce, not greater than 0.2%. There are only a few varieties suitable for cultivation and commercialization.

How do you take hemp seed oil?

One of the options is to use hemp oil for cooking, but it can be ingested as a dietary supplement.

The key to taking hemp oil is to consume it cold. We can add it to ready-made dishes, but it is not recommended to use it for frying or grilling.

Its smoke temperature is 110ºC, when we reach that temperature we will no longer be able to enjoy its different benefits for the body.

Hemp oil benefits

Its benefits are so numerous that we would have to dedicate several articles like this one. Next, we are going to detail the most outstanding properties.

Health benefits of hemp oil

Hemp oil is used more and more for its nutritional benefits; it contains an index of polyunsaturated fatty acids PUFA) omega-6 / omega-3. Known for preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes. We can also find vitamin E and phytosterols, both natural antioxidants.

Benefits of hemp oil for the skin

Hemp oil helps rebuild the hydrolipidic film of the skin. Various studies have shown that using a minimal amount of hemp oil in emulsions to hydrate the skin can be very beneficial. There are multiple cosmetic products based on hemp oil, here are some of them.

Benefits of hemp oil for hair

It can be applied to nourish the hair thanks to its rich composition in fatty acids, it has omega 3 and omega 6. We can notice a neutral aroma, fluid and light texture make it a perfect complement to use.

Conclusions

Hemp oil is used as food and as a treatment for various ailments. At present, there are numerous scientific studies that have corroborated its infinite beneficial properties for our body.

Its benefits are very interesting, since it contains a high percentage of omega 3 and 6, which makes it an ideal oil for consumption.

Related questions

Is hemp oil legal?

Hemp oil is totally legal.

Regulation (EU) No. 1307/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of December 17, 2013, hemp seeds and all their related products such as hemp oil or flour can be consumed throughout the Union.

What are the contraindications for hemp oil?

Hemp seeds have many properties and their contraindications will be high temperatures since they make it unstable, it decomposes and free radicals, aldehydes and lipid peroxides are formed.

Free radicals are substances harmful to the body that oxidize cells and cause premature aging. They can also help the formation of different diseases such as cancer.

How long does hemp oil take to work?

Hemp seeds do not contain cannabinoids, so hemp oil does not produce physiological effects.

How much hemp oil per day can I consume?

We cannot answer this question, a professional nutritionist is necessary to carry out a study of our diet and energy expenditure.