Hemp Seed Oil - The Benefits & Uses of Hemp Seed Oil
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
The source for hemp seed oil is the plant Cannabis sativa. Hemp seeds are cold pressed to make a sweet, nutty oil. The oil does not contain THC (Tetrahydrocannnabinol), the main psychoactive phytochemical found in the cannabis plant. In Canada, where it has been legal to grow the hemp plant for its nutritional oil since 1998, only 10 parts per million is allowed. This is an infinitesimally small amount, which would not effect the human body.
Hemp is one of the very first plants ever cultivated by man. The use of the hemp plant for its medicinal and nutritional properties dates back as far as 4000 B.C. in China. Not only is it an edible plant, but it was also made into a fiber for rope and clothing. Over time, hemp has faded in and out of obscurity. Recently, researchers have been studying the profound benefits of hemp seed oil, giving both hemp seeds and hemp seed oil recognition as some of the world’s healthiest foods.
Nutritional Benefits
Hemp seed oil offers an array of health benefits, which are primarily based on its unique and robust essential fatty acid (EFA) content. Regular consumption will help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, improve cardiovascular circulation and organ health, increase energy, reduce the symptoms of PMS and arthritis, and treat common skin disorders such as eczema. It is also a useful preventative measure for all types of degenerative diseases.
EFA’s must be consumed through food as they cannot be processed by the body. On the cellular level, they are an integral part of energy production and efficiency, which in turn ensures a healthy function of all organs. They also play a key role in brain and nerve cell development, making them extremely necessary for children. EFA’s nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They are also an effective remedy for arthritis, reducing inflammation and supporting joint health. A deficiency of EFA’s is linked to many common illnesses from heart disease and cancer to multiple sclerosis, behavioral problems, and eczema.
Not only do we need sufficient EFA’s, but we need them in the correct ratios. Many Americans eat a diet heavy in omega-6 fatty acids (linoleic acid), which is found in processed foods made with vegetable oils; and too few omega-3 fatty acids (alpha linolenic acid). Hemp seed oil provides the perfect natural balance of omega acids, with a ration of 3:1 of omega-6 to omega-3. It also contains 11% by weight of omega-9 fatty acid (oleic acid) as well as GLA (gamma linolenic acid) which is rarely found in the fats we typically consume. This nutritional oil has the smallest amount of saturated fatty acids of any plant based oil.
Hemp oil is high in antioxidants as well as carotene, phytosterols, and chlorophyll. It is also a source of several minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc. The daily recommended serving of hemp seed oil is one to two tablespoons. This amount provides 8 to 16 grams of omega-6 fatty acids and 3 to 6 grams of omega-3. It can be taken on its own as a nutritional supplement, but it is also delicious with food.
Enjoying Hemp Oil
Because of its delicate nutty taste, hemp seed oil is wonderful drizzled on bread or potatoes with herbs, or used to make salad dressings or spreads. Delicious raw, hemp seed oil is not ideal for cooking. Once it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit or 49 degrees Celsius, it loses its flavor and nutritional profile.
Always buy unrefined, unfumigated, organic oil. It doesn’t become rancid as quickly as other nutritional oils such as flax seed, but should be tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator.
Although it is not used as often as olive oil or canola oil, it is a healthy alternative to traditional oils. Because of the benefits of hemp seed oil, it is making its way into cosmetic products and health food stores. Like other nutritional oils, it is a simple way to enhance healthy eating.
Resources
Page, Linda. Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone. 11th Edition (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).
Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).