Hemp Seed Oil: The Myths and the Benefits

Hemp seed oil, also known simply as Hemp oil, is obtained by pressing the seeds of a brand of the Cannabis plant. For many years it was used worldwide as a seasoning for various foods, due to its pleasant nutty flavor which made it a favorite among many cultures. However, due to misconceptions, its use was reduced over time. Only recently have the many benefits of the oil been reassessed and its popularity regained.

Why Use Hemp Seed Oil?

This is because the benefits of hemp seed oil are too numerous to ignore. First of all, it is the only plant that contains Vitamin D (used by our body to absorb calcium) [1] as well as vitamins E, B1 and B2, Calcium, Potassium, and Magnesium. But, what makes it so relevant is the amount of fatty acids that it can provide, particularly Omega 3 and Omega 6. These are acids that the body does not naturally produce so we must consume them externally, and Hemp seed oil can give up to 80% of what the body needs![2]

Omega 3 helps the body in many ways: it keeps the skin smooth and speeds healing, relaxes the body and gives it more vitality, and reduces water retention and platelet stickiness. Also, if taken during pregnancy it can positively influence the development of the brain. Omega 6 isn’t any less impressive; it aids in energy production and oxygen transfer as well as in keeping the cardiovascular system in shape [3].

With such an amazing blend, it seems unbelievable that the use of Hemp seed oil diminished. This is obviously because it comes from the same brand of plant as marijuana; however, industrial Hemp is quite different in properties and cultivation. The latter has been found to have much lower levels of Tetrahydrocannabiol (THC) the psychoactive component that gives marijuana its known effects; in fact industrial hemp tends to have higher levels of Cannabidol (CBD) which has the opposite effects in most animals [4] . It’s also important to remember that Hemp seed oil is made, as its name indicates, from the seeds of the plant and not from the leaves as is the case of marijuana. Contributing to this myth is the regular confusion of Hemp seed oil with Hash oil, which is actually made with the leaves of the plant and which has a much higher content of THC.

Another argument against Hemp seed oil is that cultivating the plant will make it easier to hide marijuana plants, but, as stated before, they have very different properties and are easily distinguishable [5].

So, now that some of the myths have been cleared, there’s no reason not to try it. The recommended dose is three to four teaspoons per day, keeping in mind that it must be consumed cold since heating it makes it lose its properties. It can also be applied directly to the skin.


Sources

  1. www.naturalnews.com
  2. Ibidem
  3. www.regenerativenutrition.com
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabidiol
  5. www.votehemp.com