- Hemp oil comes from seeds that grow on Cannabis sativa, the same plant species that produces marijuana.
- Hemp oil has a healthy balance of fatty acids that can help improve skin and heart health.
- One tablespoon of hemp oil provides more than twice the daily value of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid.
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Hemp oil comes from the same species of sativa cannabis plants that produce marijuana and CBD oil, but it is a decidedly different product.
Hemp oil, also known as hemp seed oil, is produced by cold pressing the seeds of hemp plants, similar to how olive oil is made by pressing olives.
However, hemp seeds have little or no THC or CBD, says Jeffrey Chen, MD, co-founder and CEO of Radicle Science, a healthcare technology company that offers CBD product research and validation services.
Note: Hemp oil is not the same as CBD oil, sometimes called hemp CBD oil, which is a thick, greasy resin extracted from the flowers, leaves and stems of cannabis plants. Also, hemp seed oil won’t make you drugged, like marijuana, Chen says.
In contrast, many of the supposed health benefits of hemp oil are reduced to its nutrients: hemp oil is a rich source of minerals and healthy omega fatty acids, which can help with skin health, hair and nails, among other things. However, the research is still in its early stages.
One tablespoon of hemp oil contains approximately 125 calories and 14 grams of fat (18% DV). In addition, hemp seeds are a rich source of other nutrients, such as:
- Polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. In particular, hemp oil contains alpha-linolenic and gamma-linolenic fatty acids, which help fight inflammation. This is important as persistent inflammation can lead to chronic health conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
- Protein: Hemp seeds are a complete protein because they contain all the essential amino acids that your body cannot produce on its own.
- Minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus. Minerals play an important role in heart, brain and muscle function.
- Vitamins Vitamins A, C, E and B, which are essential for immunity and disease prevention.
- Dietary fiber, which keeps your digestive system running smoothly.
Researchers attribute most of the benefits of hemp oil to its healthy balance of fatty acids. Below are some of the benefits supported by the science of hemp oil.
It helps to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema
Studies suggest that the omega fatty acids in hemp oil may help improve inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, Chen says. This is what some of the research has found so far:
- A small 2005 study that included 20 participants with eczema observed significant improvements in their skin after taking two tablespoons of hemp oil for eight weeks. Participants reported less dryness and itching of the skin, and some found that they no longer needed as much medication to manage their condition.
- According to a 2014 review, the omega fatty acids in hemp oil strengthen cell membranes, making the skin more resistant to viral, bacterial and fungal infections. The review also notes that applying crushed hemp leaves to the skin can help treat a skin condition known as scabies.
- There is also anecdotal evidence that consuming hemp oil daily can help strengthen skin, hair and nails, strengthening cell membranes; however, more research is needed to corroborate these claims.
It can improve heart health
Hemp oil not only has a lot of healthy omega fatty acids, but it contains them in the “perfect” balance. Chen says hemp oil has a 3: 1 ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which is potentially an optimal ratio to improve cholesterol levels and heart health.
In comparison, other oils, such as vegetable oils, have more omega-6 and less omega-3 fatty acids, which could contribute to inflammation and heart disease.
However, it is important to note that while hemp oil contains the fatty acids associated with improving heart health, Chen says there is still not enough evidence to show that hemp oil, specifically , can prevent or improve.
heart disease
. Studies in insects and animals are promising, but more research is needed in humans.
Other benefits include pain relief and improved brain health
Some other potential benefits of hemp seed oil include:
- Pain relief, for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Reduced muscle tension. Some full-spectrum hemp oils may contain enough CBD to help relieve pain and muscle tension. But it is CBD, not hemp, that is responsible for this.
- Benefits for pregnant people, as omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for fetal development.
- Improving brain health and the prevention of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, as omega-3 acids support healthy brain function.
As with heart disease, Chen says there are theoretical benefits of hemp oil for these conditions due to its omega-3 fatty acid content, but says there are virtually no clinical trials in humans that have directly investigated the benefits of hemp oil for these conditions.
Side effects of hemp oil
“In general, there are very few side effects associated with hemp oil. It contains a lot of fat and therefore can cause diarrhea if consumed in excess,” says Chen.
Technically, hemp seeds can’t increase you, Chen says, because unlike other parts of the cannabis plant, hemp seeds contain negligible amounts of cannabinoid compounds like THC, if any.
Therefore, hemp oil is legal and has fewer regulatory restrictions than marijuana and CBD oil, Chen says. The FDA requires that cannabis products such as hemp oils and CBD have a THC content of less than 0.3%.
That said, a 2019 study notes that many hemp oil and CBD products violate FDA guidelines because they have a significantly higher THC percentage than is legally allowed.
Although there is no recommended dose for hemp oil, Chen says a few grams or tablespoons of hemp oil a day is the dose commonly used in clinical trials for conditions such as hemp disorders. the skin. That dose is enough to meet your daily omega-3 requirement, Chen says.
One tablespoon of hemp seed oil provides more than twice (just over 3 grams) of your daily requirement of alpha linolenic acid, an omega-3 essential fatty acid.
Tip: Aside from hemp seed oil, another way to add hemp to your diet is by eating hemp seeds. Hemp seeds contain omega-3 acids and, unlike hemp seed oil, also contain protein and fiber, Chen says. You can sprinkle hemp seeds on yogurt, salad or oatmeal. They have a mild, fresh flavor and add a crunchy texture to your meal.
Hemp seed oil contains nutrients such as healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and nutrients such as
vitamin E.
which can help keep the heart, skin and brain healthy. However, more human testing is needed to determine how effective it is for everyone.
