Hemp oil is sometimes used as an alternative name for cannabidiol (CBD) oil, although hemp oil typically is a shortened term for hemp seed oil. Hemp seeds are packed with nutrients and are a member of the cannabis plants. Hemp seed oil is created by cold pressing hemp seeds into an unrefined oil that is commonly light or dark green in appearance. This oil can be used in a variety of ways and may work to improve overall health. Some people choose to eat hemp seeds whole, while others prefer taking hemp seed oil in order to gain its possible health benefits.
One of the most common advantages associated with hemp seed oil is its skin benefits. Hemp seeds contain an abundance of essential fatty acids that may help alleviate dry skin, eczema, and other skin irritations by offering certain benefits, including:
Hemp seed oil works to reduce irritation when applied topically to the skin because of nutrients like linoleic acid that enable skin cell generation and repair. These nourishing components are also responsible for the ability of hemp oil to moisturize the skin without clogging pores. Because of this, hemp seed oil can be used to alleviate acne prone skin by moderating its oil production and reducing the chance of clogged pores. Hemp oil can also be ingested for skin health benefits thanks to the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) that aids with inflammation and skin growth.
In addition to the many skin redeeming qualities of hemp oil, there are other heart health and immune system benefits that this oil may have to offer. The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids within hemp seeds are still present when they are cold pressed into hemp seed oil, where they may offer some cardioprotective effects, including:
Hemp seed oil can also boost the immune system with the valuable nutrients it provides to our bodies. Humans need essential fatty acids to maintain good health, but cannot produce these on their own and must find other ways to ingest them.
For the purpose of this article, we will dive into the benefits of hemp seed oil capsules, which are free of CBD and THC. They are, however, high in Omega-3s and 6s, Gamma Linolenic Acid, and terpenes, which all contribute to the benefits of hemp seed oil capsules.
The healthy fats in hemp seed oil can help with optimal brain functioning and protection. A study found that hemp seed oil can help protect the brain, potentially due to the polyphenol content. While still in the early stages of research, this shows that hemp oil capsules can be a great addition to your routine for supporting brain health.
Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties from GLA that can help regulate the immune system, an in turn help reduce irritation, including flare-ups from psoriasis and eczema. Taking hemp seed oil can also increase levels of essential fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and GLA, which helps to increase moisture and fight against skin dryness. Many people also choose to use hemp seed oil topically, as it can be used as a multi-purpose skin care product that fights dryness, acne, and other symptoms of irritation.
Many of the nutrients within hemp seed oil have been found to support healthy heart functioning. Alpha-linolenic acid may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The omega-3 and omega-6 content can also help with blood cholesterol reduction, further protecting the heart.
Many people think of CBD oil for anxiety as the top option for dealing with stress, but hemp seed oil can achieve similar results due to the fatty acid content. A study found that participants were able to reduce anxiety by as much as 20% by taking an omega-3 supplement—a key nutrient found in hemp seed oil.
As mentioned above, hemp seed oil contains many anti-inflammatory properties. The nutrients responsible for this effect may help reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis, so people can turn to hemp seed oil capsules to maintain a more manageable and pain-free quality of life.
It’s clear that hemp oil has many uses, but how can you reap the benefits? Take a look at some of the ways you can incorporate hemp seed oil into your everyday life.
If you’re looking to improve the health of your skin, we recommend using unrefined hemp seed oil or skin care products infused with hemp oil. Refined hemp oil has had many of the beneficial nutrients stripped away from the oil, and may not be as favorable when trying to moisturize and repair the skin. Similar to coconut oil, hemp seed oil also works as a great carrier when diluting essential oils that you want to apply to your skin.
Hemp seed oil has many uses in the kitchen, although it’s better to avoid heat exposure when incorporating this oil into a dish. A little bit if heat is fine, but too much may take away some of its beneficial nutrients and change the consistency or flavor. Hemp seed oil has a flavor profile similar to olive oil, meaning it’s not overpowering but has a distinct taste. This makes for a great addition to salad dressing, pesto sauce, smoothies, or other beverages.
Just as hemp seed oil benefits the skin, it can also moisturize the scalp and hair follicles for healthier, shinier hair. The rich fatty acids within hemp oil can promote hair growth and strengthen hair strands, which reduces the appearance of dry, split ends and prevents against future breakage.
Hemp CBD oil is quite different than hemp seed oil, as they are often extracted from different parts of the plant. CBD oil is typically made by using an ethanol or CO2 extraction process to obtain cannabinoid-rich oil from industrial hemp plants, which produces very different effects when compared to a traditional hemp oil.
CBD oil is more commonly used as a dietary supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate chronic pain, anxiety, sleep issues, and other ailments that are difficult to treat without the use of heavy medication. CBD products have been a rather hot topic as of late due to the large amount of people who use them with little information to go off of.
CBD oil is legal since it contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or the psychoactive component in cannabis. This means that hemp derived CBD products won’t make you high, but there are still many reservations from the FDA and consumers alike when it comes to this cannabis extract. Hemp seed oil on the other hand is less controversial, can be found in many local health food stores, and offers small health advantages rather than healing expectations.
[Learn more about the difference between hemp oil and fish oil]
Hemp seed oil has many benefits and uses, but it is often confused with CBD oil. The benefits of CBD oil go beyond the limited potential of regular hemp oil, and many people use these products for pain relief or anxiety reduction.
If you’re looking for CBD oil, try our Editor’s Pick from NuLeaf Naturals. It’s strong, full-spectrum, and made with organic hemp extract.
While there is a lack of regulations surrounding CBD oil, hemp seeds and hemp seed oil have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who deemed these products safe for the general public to consume. Because of this, the cost of hemp oil is much less than that of CBD oil, and it’s also easier to purchase hemp oil across all 50 states.
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