Hemp oil has proved to be of significant use because of the health benefits it provides. Hemp oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant.
The hemp plant is a variety of Cannabis species, and you should not mistake it for the common marijuana plant.
The hemp plant is a tall variety of Cannabis, and it has a low concentration of THC (tetrahydocannabinol), which is the chemical responsible for the hallucinogenic effect of marijuana. Also, you should not confuse hemp and hash oil. Both are extracted from different plants of the Cannabis species.
Hemp oil can be obtained from the seeds of the hemp plant, but usually, the whole plant is pressed to get the oil. The unrefined oil is better to use as it contains all the nutrients, some of which is lost during refining.But if you use this oil for skin treatment then refined oil is better. The unrefined oil has a greenish colour and tastes like nuts whereas the refined oil is
But if you use this oil for skin treatment then refined oil is better. The unrefined oil has a greenish colour and tastes like nuts whereas the refined oil is colorless and the taste is lost to some extent. The oil has a pungent smell. The unrefined oil does not have a long shelf life.
Hemp oil has a lot number of benefits. This is due to the presence of many essential nutrients in the oil. These nutrients are the reason for the many uses of hemp oil.
Table of Contents
Health Benefits Of Hemp Oil
Hemp oil has many health benefits. The presence of omega fatty acids is the main reason it is so beneficial for your health.The most significant health benefits of hemp oil use have been elaborated below:
1. Good Skin Health
Hemp oil is very good for your skin. It is one of the best natural remedies for good skin. The presence of fatty acids in the oil makes it good for your skin. It also acts as a moisturizer for your skin. You can use hemp oil because it is natural and has almost no side effects.
Hemp oil is very useful in treating various skin problems like eczema, acne, etc. It is also said to have anti-ageing property. It also keeps skin hydrated and improves skin oxygenation. Using refined oil for skin treatment is better than unrefined oil to avoid the greasy skin.
2. Treating Eczema
Hemp oil contains PUFAs which is very useful in treating eczema. The fatty acids/PUFAs mainly omega fatty acids is the main content of hemp oil which cures eczema. To treat eczema, you must take 1-2 teaspoon of hemp oil daily.You can also try home remedies to get rid of eczema.
3. Treating Acne
The omega-3 fatty acid in hemp oil is good for acne-riddled skin. The fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces the redness and pain of pimples and also prevents the future breakout of acne. If you have acne problem then taking 1-2 teaspoon of oil daily will help reduce acne.
4. Anti-aging Effect
Hemp oil is said to have an anti-aging effect on the skin. The fatty acid content of the oil helps improve the layer of fats which reside on the outer layer of your skin. The improved health of the fat layer makes your skin look younger and age slower.
5.Waterproofing of skin
We know that drinking water is very beneficial for healthy skin. However, washing your face and body with water tends to rob your skin of its nutrients.This, in turn, makes your skin look dull. To avoid this and keep your skin healthy and glowing apply or massage your skin with hemp oil. The fatty acids in the oil help make your skin waterproof and retain the skin nutrients. This makes your skin beautiful and glowing..
6. Treating Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease in which the skin becomes inflamed in patches. The skin becomes gray, flaky and itches. When the affected skin is scratched, it is red and inflamed underneath.
Hemp oil is a natural cure for this. The omega-6 fatty acid present in the oil has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps reduce the inflamed skin curing psoriasis.
7. Healthy Hair
Hemp oil is also very good for hair health. The fatty acid content especially the omega-3 fatty acid is responsible for healthy hair. Many hair products that you use like shampoo, conditioners, hair oils, etc. have hemp oil as one of their top ingredients.
This is because hemp oil provides essential fatty acids and amino acids to your hair and scalp which help in hair growth and healthy scalp.
If you are suffering from dandruff and hair fall, then hemp oil can be of great use. The oil makes hair follicles stronger.
The hair texture, shine, and strength of hair are improved. It stops hair fall and promotes hair growth. Also, other scalp infections are kept at bay by hemp oil use. The scalp and hair are kept moisturized.
Mahabhringraj oil or grapeseed oil can also be used to treat hair problem or hair growth.
8. Boosts Immunity
The fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6, helps improve the immunity of your body. They make the intestinal flora healthier and this keeps your body and stomach healthy.
Also, the fat layer on your skin is improved with hemp oil use which makes it difficult for microbes and other infections to enter your body through the skin pores.
9. Anti-Inflammatory Property
Hemp oil has an anti-inflammatory effect. The presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids attributes this property to the hemp oil. This makes the oil suitable for use in treating inflammatory diseases like arthritis joint pain.
If you suffer from any other inflammatory diseases taking one teaspoon of oil daily can help in improvement of your health.If you are suffering from painful arthritis, give a try to 41 super foods to cure arthritis.
10. Rich Source Of Protein & Omega Fatty Acid
Hemp oil is a rich source of protein and omega fatty acids. This can be a great diet supplement for those who are vegetarian. It is difficult to obtain enough omega fatty acid from vegetables only and fish is the only other rich source of this fatty acid. But vegetarians also need omega fatty acid. So hemp oil is the best alternative for vegetarians.
Also, another essential nutrient for your body is proteins. Vegetables are not very rich in proteins, but hemp oil has large amounts of this. So if you are vegetarian, you can add hemp oil to your regular diet to meet the protein need of your body.
11. Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Hemp oil is a good source of alpha-linolenic acid. This fatty acid is said to be able to prevent heart disease and arthritis. Recent research done by the University Of Maryland Medical Center has proved that this fatty acid can help lower the level of bad cholesterol in the body and prevent blockage of arteries.
12. Treating Multiple Sclerosis/Degeneration Of Nervous System
Multiple sclerosis is a critical disease of the nervous system. In this condition, the nervous system degenerates greatly. It mostly affects young adults. Some scientists have recently researched the use of hemp oil in curing this disease.
It has been found that including hemp oil in the diet of those affected by this illness can help reduce the extent of degeneration of the nervous system.
Side Effects And Safe Dosage
Hemp oil is very good for keeping healthy. Hemp oil is a natural remedy for most common health problems. Since it is a natural cure, it has very less side effect. But still the side effects could be dangerous, so it is best to have knowledge about these.
Below the side effects of hemp oil use has been listed:
1.Anticoagulant Property
Hemp oil has anticoagulant/anti-clotting property i.e. it has a thinning effect on the blood. So if you are taking blood thinners, you should avoid taking this oil. People who are going to have surgery should stop taking the oil two weeks prior to the surgery as the use of oil could interfere with medication and lead to blood loss.
2. Do Not Heat
If you include hemp oil in your diet, be sure you always consume it raw. You can eat it with salad or any other food as seasoning. Do not use this oil to cook food because heat converts the PUFAs which are unsaturated fats to saturated ones. Consuming saturated fats is much more harmful to your body.
The possibility of diarrhea and abdominal crampsHemp oil keeps you healthy when it is taken within the recommended dosage. If it is taken in large dosage it can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Safe dosage is highly recommended.
Hemp oil keeps you healthy when it is taken within the recommended dosage. If it is taken in large dosage it can cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Safe dosage is highly recommended.
The risk of cancer (especially prostate cancer): Hemp oil promotes cell growth. While this property of the oil can be useful in cases of hair and skin repair and health, it might have a negative effect on cancer cells.
The oil will promote the growth of healthy cells as well as cancer cells if there are any in your body which will lead to the spread of cancer in the body. It is especially a reason for concern in cases of prostate cancer.
The oil is more likely to cause prostate cancer than any other form of cancer. So if you are male and are under the risk of prostate cancer then you should avoid taking this oil.
3. Immuno Suppression
Although the oil boosts the immune system when taken in small dosage it can have the opposite effect when taken in larger dosage.
The anti-inflammatory effect of hemp oil is due to its ability to make the immune system less sensitive. A small dosage of the oil does not suppress the immune system to hinder its effectiveness in protecting your body from germs. But when taken in a large amount the immune system gets suppressed and germs can easily gain entry to your body and cause diseases.
Although the oil boosts the immune system when taken in small dosage it can have the opposite effect when taken in larger dosage. The anti-inflammatory effect of hemp oil is due to its ability to make the immune system less sensitive.
A small dosage of the oil does not suppress the immune system to hinder its effectiveness in protecting your body from germs. But when taken in a large amount the immune system gets suppressed and germs can easily gain entry to your body and cause diseases.
A small dosage of the oil does not suppress the immune system to hinder its effectiveness in protecting your body from germs. But when taken in a large amount the immune system gets suppressed and germs can easily gain entry to your body and cause diseases.
Safe Dosage
Hemp oil can be consumed uncooked daily with your diet. The safe dosage for this oil is 1-2 teaspoon daily. Any more than this and you could develop serious health problems instead.
As usual, like everything else, hemp oil also has its side effects. But you should not be scared away by them! Use the product within the permissible limit and you can exploit its health benefits.
Follow the safe dosage and monitor your diet daily to gain maximum benefit. Also, as usual before starting any treatment, do consult your doctor about the safety of including hemp oil in your diet.
Reference:
1.The cardiac and hemostatic effects of dietary hempseed.NIH
