Hemp Oil: 10 Incredible Facts You Probably Didn’t Know
CBD oil is a promising new product category in the cannabis therapeutics industry. However, there is a lot of confusion between CBD oil that is derived from marijuana and CBD oil that is derived from hemp. CBD oil that is extracted from marijuana has THC in it, which can give you that feeling of being high. Producers of marijuana-derived CBD oil may offer products with varying ratios of CBD to THC, to minimize the high, without reducing the medicinal benefits that come with an extract that contains an entourage of active chemical compounds.
CBD oil that contains THC and other cannabinoids, as well as synergistic terpenes (which are chemical compounds connected to the aroma and flavor of the marijuana) is more effective than oil containing CBD alone. When cannabinoids work in conjunction with terpenes, the medicinal benefits are increased; when the elements are isolated from the rest, the effects of the medicine are diminished.
CBD oil that is extracted from industrial hemp, which contains less than 0.3 % THC, also has health benefits and is a fast growing product category in the health supplement industry. While CBD combined with THC is more effective, from a medicinal standpoint, CBD Hemp oil is easily available online, and is a great option for people in non-medical states or who don’t want to get high at all.
For those of you who don’t live in locales where marijuana derived CBD oil is available, or simply do not want to feel just the tiniest bit high, hemp-derived CBD oil can still provide many of the benefits that marijuana CBD does.
The key is to know where your CBD oil is coming from, because a lot of industrial hemp is produced with chemicals, and not intended for human consumption, and some extraction methods can also be toxic.
However, organic hemp oil itself is one of the most nutritious seed oils available on the market, and is a great dietary supplement just on its own.
Here are some facts to ponder when considering adding it into your daily health regime.
#1 – Hemp Oil Is Not Psychoactive
The reality is that hemp oil is made from raw hemp seeds – which means that it has no mind-altering properties, and its chemical composition is very different from CBD oil.
Hemp oil is a well-documented dietary supplement and beauty aid, unlike CBD oil which is more of a supplement or medicine, especially when used in regards to various health conditions.
Learn More About 30 Amazing Uses of CBD Oil >>
So why should you be interested in a “weird” oil made from hemp seeds? Well, you are about to find out right now…
#2 – It Has Plenty Of Nutrients
Hemp seeds are raw, natural seeds rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (among which omega 3s and omega 6s) as well as insoluble fiber. They are also a rich container of tocopherols, also known as Vitamin E antioxidants.
Hemp seeds are full of electrolytes and essential micro-elements such as potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, strontium, thorium and chromium.
#3 – Medical Studies Confirm Its Health Benefits
The omega 3s in their composition have been proven to counteract cardiovascular diseases, as well as improve skin tone and increase the immune system’s resilience.
Other medical studies have shown that linoleic acid (one of the many polyunsaturated fats contained in hemp oil) can slow down the aging process and even fight psoriazis (an auto-immune skin disorder) as other studies have proven.
Vitamin E has been proven to be a potent antioxidant which boosts immunity and stops the aging process.
#4 – Hemp Oil Does Not Cure Cancer
The unfortunate fact regarding hemp oil’s properties is that some people will try to market it as a cancer-fighting tool which can produce miracles over-night.
Although it can definitely be considered as a part of an anti-cancer diet, it is certainly not enough to cure cancer or any another ailment whatsoever.
#5 – It Helps With Hormonal Balance
Due to its nourishing fats content, hemp oil can help in alleviating a disruptive hormone balance.
Actually, hemp seeds are the only edible seeds which contain gamma-linolenic acid. This acid is converted in our bodies into a protective hormone called PGE1 (prostaglandin hormone). This hormone will then regulate the overall body’s hormonal balance, which is especially important for menopausal health.
#6 – It Is Good For Your Skin
Those omega 3 fatty acids are truly a miracle! Due to their high content in hemp seeds, hemp oil has a similar composition to the fatty acids in your skin. This makes it an excellent natural emollient and moisturizer.
Hemp oil is especially useful for dry skin, “tired” skin or dehydrated skin. It be also used for nails as well. It increases the skin’s elastic capacity as well as the water retention in tissues. Dry hair can be effectively treated with it as well – it is even included in hair conditioners quite often.
#7 – Hemp Oil Is Vegan
Due to the fact that vegetarians and vegans abstain from eating seafood, maintaining a good ratio of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids can be tricky for them.
That’s why hemp oil can be such a versatile solution for them. It contains the optimal ratio of these nourishing acids, without the need of harming any other animal in the process.
#8 – It Lowers Cholesterol
Due to its optimal ratio of polyunsaturated fats (3:1 omega 3:omega 6), hemp oil helps accelerate metabolism, hence lowering cholesterol levels. Due to the accelerated metabolism, fats will burn at a faster rate, avoiding their accumulation on the artery walls.
#9 – It Is Great For Diabetics
Hemp oil is a fatty ingredient, so it does not contain carbohydrates or sugar which can increase blood sugar levels. That is why it can be a great addition to the diet of a person who suffers from diabetes – it can help them better manage their blood sugar levels and avoid glycemic highs and lows which are typical of this health disorder.
#10 – Consuming Hemp Oil Has Some Restrictions
Although it is certainly a health food, hemp oil does have a couple of counter-indications you need to be aware of.
Most specifically, people who are suffering from prostate cancer or who take blood thinners should consume only little amounts.
Due to its rich composition, hemp oil seems to support the growth of new cells – which may not be such a good idea if you have (or are very susceptible to developing) prostate cancer.
People who suffer from heart disease and consume blood thinners should avoid it due to the fact that it is an anticoagulant.
When consumed in high doses, hemp oil could cause nausea, diarrhea or cramps. Also, be sure that you avoid cooking it in high temperatures because this can destroy the unsaturated fatty acids and make them toxic for human consumption.
So what do you think? Are these reasons enough to inspire you to give hemp oil a try? Or do you have previous experience in consuming it? Leave us a comment below and share your experience!