10 Amazing Facts About Hemp Oil You Probably Didn’t Know
Hemp oil is obtained from seeds of the Cannabis plant. Extracted solely from the seeds, it is also called hemp seed oil.
People often confuse hemp extracts in an oil carrier, as “Hemp Oil”. However, pure hemp oil is a natural botanical concentrate processed only from the seeds of the plant and not from any other botanical extraction process.
This oil comes from the tall growing varieties of cannabis. However, hemp oil does not contain THC, the chief psychoactive compound in cannabis.The oil which contains THC is called cannabis oil. So, you should not be confused about the two oils.
Containing a huge amount of phytonutrients, antioxidants, and healthy fats, daily hemp concentrate can boost your health in a wide variety of ways. From hormonal balance to anti-aging protection, here are 10 surprising benefits of hemp oil you may don’t know:
1. One of The Most Nutritious Seed Oils Available
Hemp oil is packed with minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and calcium which makes it full of nutrients useful for your body more than any other oil available.
Hemp oil is an unsaturated oil derived from plant accommodates 80% unsaturated fatty acids, and only 20% undesired saturated fats. What’s more important to note is, this oil is very high in essential fatty acids – omega-3 and omega-6, which are necessary for a good functioning of your immune system and for cardiovascular health.
2. Helps Control Hormonal Balance, PMS and Menopause Symptoms
The only seed known to contain gamma-linolenic acid is hemp seed. Gamma-linolenic acid is the substance that converts in the human body into a protective hormone called prostaglandin. This hormone helps to maintain hormonal balance and to support menopausal health. It also helps in reducing PMS symptoms, such as irritability and fluid retention. Hemp seeds are the only edible seeds which contain gamma-linolenic acid.
3. Good For Skin
Hemp oil is a good natural moisturizer because it contains a high level of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids.
Because it’s so rich in fatty acids, it increases the elasticity of your skin and slows skin aging. What’s even more exciting is that it dries quickly on the skin and doesn’t have that oily effect; you can put it on your skin after the shower and won’t wait long until you can dress up.
4. Great For Your Hair Too
Hemp oil also contains ceramides, so it helps hair to be less dry and shinier – it’s often among the ingredients in many hair conditioners. Amino acids in hemp oil will make hair grow stronger. Not only that, but this oil is also beneficial for the scalp, as it improves blood circulation.
5. Oil Can Help Improve Your Mood
There is strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids improve the symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as in children with ADHD, several studies have shown. This is mostly due to the fact that fatty acids are essential for brain functioning.
Also, since this oil contains endocannabinoids, it helps to increase a good mood and reducing depression and anxiety.
6. Great for Vegetarians and Vegans
Since vegetarians and vegan don’t get enough of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, considering their diet regime. Hemp oil is especially beneficial for them – it provides the right balance of these nutrients which is important considering the narrowed choice of fatty acid sources vegetarians and vegans have.
7. Reduces Arthritis Pain
Some studies have found that consumption of hemp oil reduces arthritis pain by 25%.
This is due to gamma-linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, both found in hemp oil. These fatty acids are strongly anti-inflammatory. That’s why arthritis patients see the effects of hemp oil in reducing their pain pretty fast with regular use.
8. Lowers Cholesterol
Hemp oil contains alpha-linolenic acid, it boosts metabolism. When metabolism is faster, it means that fats will burn more quickly. This way, cholesterol goes down, which also prevents clogging of arteries.
9. Aids in Antioxidant Protection
Vitamin E is the key to having a beautiful skin and also helps in aging gracefully. It also protects your DNA from free radicals present in the environment that can damage it over time.
Hemp oil is very rich in Vitamin E and other antioxidants, so consuming it will help to protect your DNA and cells and to improve your overall health.
10. Hemp Oil Shouldn’t Be Heated
One thing to bear in mind for getting the full potential from this precious oil is that you should keep it at a normal or low temperature. High temperatures can turn unsaturated fats into saturated fats, which can turn toxic to humans.