You might be a little confused when you hear the name 'hemp'. When most of us hear the name 'hemp', we think of marijuana. So many people think that this is something similar, that it makes you intoxicated. But are these two really the same? Does using this oil really make you "intoxicated"? Today, we are going to talk about the amazing health benefits of Hemp Seed Oil and the risks that come with it, while trying to answer all these questions.
What exactly is Hemp Seed Oil?
Simply put, Hemp Seed Oil is an oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant. Just like we make olive oil by pressing olives, it is also produced by cold-pressing hemp seeds.
Now the biggest question you have is whether Hemp and Cannabis/Marijuana are the same plant. Although both these plants belong to the same family, namely `Cannabis sativa L`, they are two plants. The main difference between the two is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol `(Tetrahydrocannabinol)` or THC , the chemical component that causes intoxication.
The THC concentration of the cannabis plant can be as high as 28%. However, the THC concentration of the hemp plant does not exceed 0.3%.
Simply put, using Hemp Seed Oil will never give you the "high" that you get from using marijuana. This is because it contains very little THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that causes it. That is why products derived from the hemp plant are mainly used for medicinal purposes.
What are the health benefits of this?
The main reason for the many health benefits of Hemp Seed Oil is the three types of polyunsaturated fatty acids contained in this oil. They are:
- Linoleic acid `(linoleic acid)`
- Alpha-linolenic acid `(alpha-linolenic acid)`
- Gamma-linolenic acid `(gamma-linolenic acid)`
Additionally, the ratio of Omega- 6 to Omega -3 fatty acids in this oil is 3:1. According to medical experts, this 3:1 ratio is the most optimal for the healthy functioning of the human body.
Let's see what the main benefits of this oil are in the table below.
| Health benefit | Main causes |
|---|---|
| Improving skin health | Fatty acids help maintain skin moisture and increase resistance to infections. |
| Reducing high blood pressure | Omega-3 fatty acids have the ability to lower blood pressure. |
| Promoting heart health | Linoleic acid reduces "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels. |
| Pain relief | Pain reduction due to its ability to reduce inflammation in the body. |
| Pregnancy support | Omega-3 helps the development of the baby's brain and eyes in the womb. |
Improved skin health
A dermatology study has found that consuming Hemp Seed Oil can help relieve symptoms of conditions like atopic dermatitis , or eczema. In addition, this oil may also be useful in treating other skin conditions like cradle cap, psoriasis, and acne. This oil strengthens the skin and increases its resistance to infections.
Helps control high blood pressure
Hemp Seed Oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. But here's something you need to remember : This is not a substitute for your doctor's prescribed blood pressure medication. You should definitely talk to your doctor before using it as a supplement along with your medication.
Promoting heart health
These oils are rich in linoleic acid. Studies have shown that a diet high in linoleic acid significantly reduces total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the type we call "bad cholesterol." When this bad cholesterol is reduced, the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease is reduced.
Reducing inflammation in the body
Hemp Seed Oil contains gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) that has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Therefore , this oil may help relieve symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and multiple sclerosis (MS).
Support during pregnancy
The high concentration of omega-3 in this oil makes it a very beneficial supplement for pregnant mothers. Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids are essential during pregnancy. They help in the healthy development of the brain and eyes of the baby in the womb. They may also help prevent depression in the mother.
But this is also very important. Before using anything new, especially a supplement like this, during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, you should definitely ask your gynecologist.
Are there any risks with this?
Despite the health benefits of hemp seed oil, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with it.
The main risk is low blood pressure . Since these oils have the ability to lower blood pressure, people who have low blood pressure (hypotension) may have problems. Low blood pressure can be caused by several factors:
- Being confined to bed for a long time
- Pregnancy
- Significant bleeding
- Some medications
- Heart disease
- Hormonal imbalances (Endocrine problems)
- Severe infections (Septic shock)
- Severe allergies
- Nutritional deficiencies
If you have one or more of the health conditions mentioned above, be sure to talk to your doctor before using Hemp Seed Oil.
Also, low blood pressure increases the risk of complications and death during surgery. Therefore, your doctor may advise you to stop using Hemp Seed Oil for a period of time before and after surgery.
How much should I use?
There is no official Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for this. However, as a rough guide, a person eating a 2,000 calorie diet can consume about 2 tablespoons of oil per day.
You can drink this oil directly, mix it into salads, or use it in cooking instead of olive oil.
The nutritional information contained in one tablespoon (15 milliliters) of Hemp Seed Oil is as follows:
| Nutritional information (per tablespoon) | Size |
|---|---|
| Calories | 125 |
| Full fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated fatty acids | 1 gram |
| Monounsaturated fatty acids | 2 grams |
| Polyunsaturated fatty acids | 11 grams |
If you are using this oil on your skin, test it on a small area of your skin to see if there is any irritation. You can also use this oil as a carrier oil to mix with other essential oils.
Take-Home Message
- Hemp Seed Oil is not marijuana. It contains very low levels of THC, which causes intoxication, so it does not cause "highs."
- The highly beneficial ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids found in it can provide many health benefits, such as skin, heart, blood pressure, and reducing inflammation in the body.
- The main risk is a drop in blood pressure, so this may not be suitable for people with chronic low blood pressure or those preparing for surgery.
- Most importantly: Always consult your doctor before using this oil or any other supplement, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications.











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