Hempseed oil is extracted from the cold-pressing of the seeds from hemp plant. Having little or no THC, hemp seed oil will not give you the cannabis ‘high’ but will provide many health benefits.
We have listed eight health benefits below.
1. Hemp for great nutrition
Whilst hempseed does not contain as many phytochemicals as the actual plant itself, the seeds do contain many nutrients, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. This is included in the primary health benefit of hempseed in New Zealand.
Technically defined as a nut, hempseed, also known as hemp hearts, have a slightly nutty flavour.
Hempseeds are a great protein source with more than 25% of the total calories being from high-quality proteins. Comparably, ‘superfoods’ such as chia seeds and flaxseed contain 16-18% protein. The protein breakdown in hemp hearts have all 9 essential amino acids and 20 individual amino acids as well as being packed with the muscle-building amino-acids leucine and glutamine.
Hemp Seeds contain the body-essential minerals of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.
Hemp seeds have the perfect balance of essential fats which is unique in even the plant world. They have the optimum balance (3:1) of Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids. Additionally, hemp seeds are one of the few plant-based Omega-3 sources.
2. No gluten, GM or dairy
Easily digested, and hypoallergenic, hemp seeds are a great alternative to dairy and perfect for the gluten-intolerant consumer. They are also free from any genetically modified ingredients.
3. Moisturisers and alleviates various skin conditions
Hempseed oil is an excellent skin moisturiser that is easily absorbed, contributing significantly to the skin’s barrier function to prevent moisture loss. Containing so many nutritional goodies, as listed in point 1, hemp oil is an ideal carrier oil for massage and healing treatments. After prolonged use, your skins appearance will be noticeably improved.
Cosmetic companies are only just starting to create hemp based products as a result of increased consumer awareness and interest. Moisturiser products, such as from www.forbiddenbeauty.nz are increasingly being sought after, and we expect to see more variety of cosmetics for sale in New Zealand, over time.
Hempseed oil can also offer relief from skin conditions such as eczema, acne, psoriasis, itchy sin and dermatitis. In addition, fungal, viral and bacterial infections can be controlled with the skin-strengthening and enhancing abilities hemp oil provides that are included in the health benefit of hempseed.
4. Enhances hair growth
The essential fatty acids that are contained in hemp seed oil add moisture and shine to your hair. These acids also help strengthen brittle hair stands which help the hair grow thicker. Added with other natural hair-regrowth ingredients provide a powerful remedy to many a person’s personal dilemma.
5. Improves brain function
With its low levels of cannabinoids, research has found that hempseed oil eases anxiety in those that suffer anxiety disorders. This may also very likely assist in reducing depression. The fatty acids of omega-3 and omega-6 are already known to improve memory and prevent age-related brain function decline.
Several studies have suggested that CBD and other compounds in hempseed oil work in a way that protects the brain and central nervous system. It has the potential to relieve or prevent Alzheimer’s, MS, Parkinson’s disease, ADHD and childhood seizure disorders.
6. Aid digestion
Fibre is linked to better digestive health and is thus an essential part of your diet.
Whole hempseed is a fantastic source of both soluble and insoluble fibre, containing both 20% and 80% respectively. The soluble fibre we require forms a gel-like substance in your gut, and is a valuable source of nutrients for beneficial digestive bacteria. This may reduce blood sugar spikes and help regulate cholesterol.
The insoluble fibres add bulk to your stools helping waste and food pas through your gut. It has been linked to a reduced risk of diabetes.
Note that when de-hulled (or shelled) the hemp hearts contain very little fibre as the fibre-rich shell has been removed.
7. Reduced risk of heart disease
Hempseed contains high amounts of the amino acid arginine. Arginine produces nitric oxide in your body, which is a gas molecule that is needed to make your blood vessels dilate and relax.
Additionally, the gamma-linolenic acid found in hemp seed has been linked to reduced inflammation resulting in reduced heart disease risk.
8. Beneficial for pregnancy
Because of the fatty acid, omega-3, hempseed oil is excellent for pregnant mothers.
Omega-3 is crucial during pregnancy since it is one of the building blocks for the development of the fetus’ brain and retina.
Tips for usage
Hempseed oil should always be used in its cold-pressed form. You should take a patch test before using the oil on your skin. Only then can you receive the true health benefits of hemp seed.
If you maintain the guidelines for using hempseed oils, this will greatly benefits all skin types and reduce the oily texture, fine lines and wrinkles that can sometimes be experienced.