Hemp oil is an oil extracted from the cannabis plant. All plants in the Cannabis genus can produce the oil, but usually only industrial hemp is used to make hemp oil. Industrial hemp is a hemp varietal which has been cultivated specifically for industrial production, and it has a minimum of the psychoactive substances associated with the genus, most notably THC. Hemp oil is typically almost free of THC, and it has no psychoactive properties.

Hemp seeds are rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega 6, omega 3 and insoluble fiber. They are a good source of tocopherols, or Vitamin E antioxidants. They’re packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, plus microelements like strontium, thorium, arsenic and chromium. High in essential fatty acids, Omega 6 and omega 3, hemp oil can be used to increase immunity, counteract aging skin and improve cardiovascular health. Several studies show that the linoleic acid present in hemp oil can slow down the aging process and fight psoriasis.

Today, things have changed, in that hemp oil and marijuana are considered two distinct things. In most countries, there are regulations which call for a cap on the highest detectable limit of THC in hemp oil. While many people still confuse the two, ingesting hemp oil or using it on your skin won’t cause you to get high. It does, however, offer some powerful health benefits when used both internally and externally.

1. Hemp Seed Oil Can Lower the Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease is the number one killer worldwide

Interestingly, eating hemp seeds may reduce the risk of heart disease via several mechanisms.

They contain high amounts of the amino acid arginine, which is used to produce nitric oxide in the body

Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that makes the blood vessels dilate and relax, leading to lowered blood pressure and a reduced risk of heart disease (5).

In one large study of more than 13,000 people, increased arginine intake was linked with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is an inflammatory marker linked with heart disease (6, 7).

The gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seeds has also been linked with reduced inflammation, which may decrease the risk of diseases like heart disease.

Additionally, animal studies have shown that hemp seeds or hemp seed oil may reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of blood clot formation and help the heart recover after a heart attack.

2. Hemp Seeds Are a Great Source of Plant-Based Protein

About 25% of calories in hemp seeds come from protein, which is relatively high.

In fact, by weight, hemp seeds provide amounts of protein similar to beef and lamb. 30 grams of hemp seeds, or 2–3 tablespoons, provide about 11 grams of protein.

They are considered a complete protein source, which means that they provide all the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are not produced in the body and need to be gotten from the diet.

Complete protein sources are very rare in the plant kingdom, as plants often lack the amino acid lysine. Quinoa is another example of a complete, plant-based protein source.

Hemp seeds contain significant amounts of the amino acids methionine and cysteine, as well as very high levels of arginine and glutamic acid.

The digestibility of hemp protein is also very good — better than protein from many grains, nuts and legumes.

3. It Can Help To Balance Hormones, Reduce PMS & Menopause Symptoms

In the 1980s, scientists discovered that hormone-like compounds known as prostaglandins play an important role in helping the body to function properly. They found that prostaglandins help smooth muscles contract, control body temperature and inflammation, and are also necessary for other bodily functions. Hemp seed oil is rich in GLA (gamma linolenic acid), which is considered to be a necessary building block from some prostaglandins. Researchers concluded that supplementing with GLA is important for optimal hormone health and may be the reason so many women who suffer from PMS have been helped by it.

In a study of women with PMS, taking one gram of essential fatty acids (including 210 mg of GLA) daily resulted in a significant reduction in symptoms. Other studies have shown that evening primrose oil, which has a high level of GLA, was highly effective in decreasing symptoms for women had tried other PMS remedies but found no relief. It was able to decrease irritability and depression, breast pain and fluid retention associated with PMS.

Because hemp oil is high in GLA, a number of studies have indicated that it may also help reduce menopause symptoms.

4. It May Prevent Some Forms of Cancer

Thanks to its ideal fatty-acid profile of omega-3 fats and GLA which naturally balance inflammation levels and help to strengthen the immune system, hemp seed oil offers cancer prevention properties too. The same 2007 study that found hemp seed may offer protection against heart disease, also noted that it could help prevent cancer as well.

Researchers have also reported in The British Journal of Cancer and the journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment that the consumption of hemp seeds with THC, the psychoactive component, was able to improve advanced stage breast cancer. Additionally, this can stop or possibly even reverse a deadly form of brain cancer known as gliobastoma multiforme.

5. Hemp Oil Benefits for Skin

The hemp oil contains a number of fatty acids which are very healthy for your skin. These fatty acids nourish and moisturize your skin in the right manner and sufficient amount. There are many skin products like face creams and body creams which have hemp oil as the main ingredients. This is because it is herbal and has almost no side effects. A skin massage of only hemp oil, would give you healthy and rich skin which looks very young and held. If you are a regular user of hemp oil products for the natural skin care, it acts as an anti-aging benefit too. Hemp oil prevents skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema, acne and dry skin.

Can Hemp Oil Make You High?

In short, no. To grow marijuna you have to have special seed that grows a plant high in THC, the property responsible for the drug response. Commercial hemp seed or hemp seed oil contains very low amounts, plus they contain a substance that counteracts THC.

Reality: Hemp oil is an increasingly popular product, used for an expanding variety of purposes. The washed hemp seed contains no THC at all. The tiny amounts of THC contained in industrial hemp are in the glands of the plant itself. Sometimes, in the manufacturing process, some THC- and CBD-containing resin sticks to the seed, resulting in traces of THC in the oil that is produced. The concentration of these cannabinoids in the oil is infinitesimal. No one can get high from using hemp oil.

Precautions To Keep In Mind When Trying Hemp Oil For The First Time

Though it has a number of health benefits, hemp oil should be avoided by prostate cancer patients or people who take blood thinners. Here are a few precautions you should keep in mind before using it:

It’s an Anticoagulant: Hemp oil can have an anti-clotting effect on the blood. People who suffer from heart diseases and take blood thinners should avoid it (or at least check with a doctor before use!)

Hemp oil can have an anti-clotting effect on the blood. People who suffer from heart diseases and take blood thinners should avoid it (or at least check with a doctor before use!) It Can Increase Prostate Cancer Risk: Hemp oil has been shown to creates the best conditions for the cells to regenerate, which could promote the growth of tumors, particularly prostate cancer cells. While more research is needed, medical professionals advise that you avoid consuming hemp oil if you are at an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Hemp oil has been shown to creates the best conditions for the cells to regenerate, which could promote the growth of tumors, particularly prostate cancer cells. While more research is needed, medical professionals advise that you avoid consuming hemp oil if you are at an increased risk of prostate cancer. In High Doses, It Could Cause Diarrhea or Cramps: Large doses of hemp oil can cause nausea, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps. For this reason, hemp oil should be kept out of the reach of children.

Large doses of hemp oil can cause nausea, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps. For this reason, hemp oil should be kept out of the reach of children. It Shouldn’t Be Heated: High temperatures can denature the unsaturated fats of hemp oil and turn them into saturated fats.

If you’re ready to try out this incredible natural ingredient and experience all of its many uses, you can pick up a Nutiva Organic Hemp Oil on Amazon Store.