In addition to CBD, Hemp oil contains large amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, which are two types of unsaturated fats, or “good fats,” and all nine essential amino acids, the materials your body uses to make protein. Here’s more information about nutrients in hemp seed oil and how they may benefit your health.
Hemp Oil: Is It Good for You?
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is made from hemp, a cannabis plant like the drug marijuana but containing little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical that gets people “high.” Instead of THC, hemp contains cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical that has been used to treat everything from epilepsy to anxiety.
Hemp is increasingly popular as a remedy for a range of conditions including skin issues and stress. It may contain properties that contribute to reduced risks of illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease, though additional research is necessary. Hemp oil may also reduce inflammation in the body.
In addition to CBD, Hemp oil contains large amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fats, which are two types of unsaturated fats, or “good fats,” and all nine essential amino acids, the materials your body uses to make protein. Here’s more information about nutrients in hemp seed oil and how they may benefit your health.
Nutrition Information
Hemp oil is made from hemp seeds. In one serving of hemp seeds (3 tablespoons), you’ll find the following:
- Calories: 166
- Calories from fat: 131.4
- Total fat: 14.6 grams
- Saturated fat: 1.4 grams
- Trans fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 grams
- Sodium: 01.5 grams
- Total carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Sugars: .45 grams
- Protein: 9.5 grams
Hemp seeds also contain these minerals and hemp nutrients:
Many of these nutrients provide the body with necessary minerals and also contribute to overall health. Note that hemp seeds contain a significant amount of iron (17% of your recommended daily diet). This helps prevent iron deficiency or anemia.
Potential Health Benefits of Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is used as a remedy for a range of conditions. Some studies show that its nutrients and minerals can contribute to better skin and heart health as well as reduced inflammation. Here’s a deeper look at what the research says about the potential health benefits of hemp oil:
Improved Cardiovascular Health
The amino acid arginine is present in hempseed oil. Studies have shown that this ingredient contributes to a healthy cardiovascular system. Consuming foods with high arginine levels can help decrease the risk of heart disease.
In studies, the CBD in hemp oil has been shown to reduce seizures in rare types of childhood epilepsy that are resistant to other treatments, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Regularly taking CBD can also reduce the number of seizures brought on by tuberous sclerosis complex, a condition that causes tumors to form throughout the body.
Reduced Inflammation
Over time, excess inflammation in your body can contribute to a variety of diseases including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and asthma. It has been suggested that gamma linolenic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in hemp, acts as an anti-inflammatory. Studies have also linked the omega-3 fatty acids in hemp with reductions in inflammation.
Healthier Skin
Spreading hemp oil on your skin as a topical application can also reduce symptoms and provide relief for several types of skin disorders. One study showed that hemp oil can act as an effective acne treatment, though more research is needed in this area. In addition, consuming hemp seed oil was found to improve symptoms of atopic dermatitis, or eczema, due to the presence of the “good” polyunsaturated fats in the oil.
Potential Risks of Hemp Oil
Although hemp and marijuana come from the same species of cannabis plant, hemp has little to no THC. This means that consuming hemp is legal in the U.S. and will not cause you to become intoxicated or impaired.
In general, hemp seed oil is safe to ingest or use topically, but there are a few things to note if you decide to start taking hemp oil. Pay attention to the following potential risks of hemp oil:
Some people experience skin irritation when using topical oils containing CBD, possibly due to an allergy. Start with using a small amount to see how your skin reacts to it, and keep an eye on any changes.
Digestive Issues
It’s possible that ingesting CBD-containing oils like hemp oil can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Again, when you’re first introducing hemp oil into your diet, start small to see how it impacts you. Reactions may be different from person to person.
Show Sources
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity: “Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Inflammation and Anxiety in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial.”
Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment: “Scoping paper on the potential adverse effects of CBD products.”
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports: “Cannabis for the Treatment of Epilepsy: an Update.”
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology: “Gamma linolenic acid: an antiinflammatory omega-6 fatty acid.”
ESHA Research, Inc., Salem, Oregon: “Hemp Oil.”
GW Research Ltd.: “A Randomized Controlled Trial of Cannabidiol (GWP42003-P, CBD) for Seizures in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (GWPCARE6).”
Harvard Men’s Health Watch: “Iron and your health.”
Journal of Clinical Investigation: “Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes.”
Journal of Dermatological Treatment: “Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis.”
Mayo Clinic Proceedings: “Clinicians’ Guide to Cannabidiol and Hemp Oils.”
Nutrition & Metabolism: “The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed.”
StatPearls: “Chronic Inflammation.”
The Whole U: “Super seeds: Power up with flax, hemp, & chia.”
USDA FoodData Central: “HEMP OIL.”
World Health Organization: “CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report.”
Hemp Oil Benefits and Uses for Skin, Hair and More
Some people are exclaiming that we are in middle of a cannabis revolution in the U.S. And that does seem to be true, with the popularity of cbd oil and CBD products growing and becoming much more widespread across the country. But long before the legality of certain cannabis products, hemp seeds and hemp oil have been available in your local health food store.
Yes, hemp seed oil comes from the cannabis plant. But it can be used knowing that it contains trace amounts of THC. In fact, hemp seed oil serves as an excellent source of nutrients and has been used internally and topically in Eastern cultures for hundreds of years.
Curious about the possible hemp oil benefits? You need to remember three important words: essential fatty acids. Hempseed oil is packed with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help foster overall health. Some ways to use it is to add just a tablespoon or two to your meals or apply it topically to your skin or even your hair — prior to shampooing.
What Is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is harvested by cold-pressing hemp seeds. Although it comes from the cannabis plant, hemp oil (also called hempseed oil) contains only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive, intoxicating element in cannabis.
Hemp and marijuana both come from the Cannabis sativa species, but the amount of THC present in the plant is what makes them different. When it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, it’s considered hemp. And when it has more THC, it’s considered marijuana. This means that you can use hemp oil and eat hemp seeds without feeling “high” afterwards.
So what’s so special about hemp oil? It serves as a natural source of important nutrients, including polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega-6s and omega-3s), terpenes and proteins. It does not contain THC or CBD, so the main appeal of hemp oil is its fatty acid profile and other beneficial nutrients.
There’s confusion about the compounds in hemp oil for good reason. Some products labeled as “hemp oil” do actually include cannabinoids like CBD. These kind of superfoods with cannabinoids also act on receptors of the endocannabinoid system.
But if you are focused on increasing your intake of healthy fats and more, you’re likely looking for oils extracted from hemp seeds, so go for products labeled as “hempseed oil.”
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the cannabis plant, and it contains little to no THC or CBD. But you may have seen “CBD hemp oil” on the market and aren’t sure about the difference.
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is created by extracting CBD from the cannabis or hemp plant and then diluting it with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or even hemp seed oil. Most CBD oil products come from industrial hemp, which can only have trace amounts of THC. These products are gaining popularity for its purported CBD benefits and because it doesn’t cause a “high,” as it doesn’t affect the same receptors as the psychoactive agent THC.
Meanwhile, unlike both hemp oil and cbd oil, cannabis oil contains THC and is psychoactive and/or intoxicating.
Uses
1. Skin
Hempseed oil is commonly used on skin because it works as a natural moisturizer, and nourishes the skin. You’ll see it as an ingredient in many cosmetic products, lotions and soaps. It is also an antioxidant and may benefit the skin when used internally and topically.
Researchers found that dietary hemp oil increased levels of both essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid and GLA. Skin dryness improved, and it’s believed that this positive change resulted from an abundant supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids provided by hemp oil ingestion.
2. Hair
If your hair is dry and brittle, try applying a small amount of hemp oil while conditioning your hair or after showering — or even as a deep conditioner prior to shampooing. The fatty acids in hempseed can help to moisturize your hair and scalp, adding to your own natural oils. This is exactly why fatty acids are often used in hair shampoos and conditioners and serums. The omega-3s in hemp oil will also help to add shine, tame unruly hair and give it strength.
3. Provides Chlorophyll
Believe it or not, hemp oil is also a source of chlorophyll, a substance in plants that allow them to make food from carbon dioxide and water. This plant pigment has been linked to certain benefits and is a great (and often little-known) aspect of hemp oil.
4. Features Essential Amino Acids
Hemp oil features all nine of the essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce on their own. Your body needs all amino acids to function properly and consuming foods high in essential amino acids can help the body to function as it is designed to.
Eating foods high in amino acids, like hempseed oil, is a plus when it comes to overall health!
Where to Buy and How to Use
Hemp seed oil can be found all across the U.S. Hemp oil products come from the Cannabis sativa plant. Pure hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, but you can also find products that are made with hemp extract, which comes from the entire plant including its stem and leaves. It’s also common for hemp seed oil products to contain medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil or vegetable glycerine.
There are many hemp oil products on the market today and knowing what exactly is in the oil can be confusing. Some oils do contain CBD because hemp extract is used in the product, while others contain none. But hemp oil should never contain THC, as it’s not categorized as “hemp” unless the THC levels are under 0.3 percent.
If you’re looking to purchase an oil that contains little or no CBD or THC, then look for “hempseed oil” and read the label carefully. You can find pure hemp seed oil for internal and topical use, or as soft-gel capsules.
Ingesting one to two tablespoons of hempseed oil can help to increase your intake of essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Hemp oil can be added to smoothies and many recipes, as it has a pleasant nutty flavor. Hempseed oil should not be heated above 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so instead of using it for cooking, it can added to salads, dips, spreads and veggie dishes as a flavor enhancer.
If you are looking for oil that contains CBD, then opt for products that are labeled as “hemp oil,” “CBD hemp oil” or “hemp extract.” Again, read the label carefully and always start with a smaller dose to determine how your body reacts to the product. (And, of course, consult your healthcare professional prior to use.)
Risks and Side Effects
With so many hemp products on the market today, knowing exactly what you’re getting can be confusing. If you are looking to increase your intake of essential fatty acids or for your skin or hair, then hempseed oil is a great choice.
Hemp seed oil can be added to food or applied directly to the skin and hair. Keep in mind that hemp seed oil has a smoke point of 330 degrees Fahrenheit, which means that it will oxidize when used at high temperatures for cooking. That’s why it’s best to use hemp oil to add flavor (and nutrients) to your favorite recipes.
The recommended daily dose of hempseed oil is typically about 1–2 tablespoons per day. If you plan to ingest more than that, consult your healthcare provider beforehand. And if you are on anticoagulant medications or other medications, be sure to check with your healthcare provider to be sure that it’s safe to use hempseed oil.
Final Thoughts
- Hemp oil is harvested by cold-pressing hemp seeds.
- Hempseed oil has an impressive nutrient profile. It is high in essential fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, essential amino acids and terpenes.
- The top uses include for:
- Skin
- Hair
- Its chlorophyll
- Its essential amino acids
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