Hemp seeds are considered superfoods by many people. This is because of the fact that this ingredient abounds in various health benefits and has a rich nutritional profile. Hemp has been used extensively by humans for a long time for various purposes – as medicine, as food as well as for the fibers that the ingredient contains. There are two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp seeds namely linoleic acid and a-linoleic acid. These fatty acids have proved to be highly beneficial for heart health.
The origin of hemp seeds is Cannabis sativa plant. If you think that this product of the plant will make you ‘high’, you are mistaken. There are no mind-altering effects with this seed at all. The seeds are small and brown in color and are a rich source of antioxidants. As a result, hemp seeds are able to provide protection against free radical damage and keeps one healthy. Symptoms of many ailments are alleviated with the ingredient.
Recommended Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil is extracted from these seeds through various processes and techniques. All the qualities of hemp seeds are retained in the oil and one can benefit greatly from the use of this oil. Mentioned below are some of the most important health benefits derived from hemp seed oil:
1. Helps in reducing the risks of heart ailments significantly
Heart ailments are the leading cause of death globally. Along with taking proper preventive measures to avoid these problems, it is also important to include proper items in the diet for reducing the risks of heart diseases. You might not be aware of the fact that hemp seed oil might help in minimizing the risks of heart ailments significantly.
Hemp seeds abound in arginine, which is an important amino acid, which helps in producing nitric oxide in the body (1). Nitric oxide is an important component required by the body for relaxing and dilating the blood vessels so that proper blood flow is maintained. With proper blood flow, blood pressure is maintained and risks of heart diseases are also alleviated.
Reports and studies have shown that hemp seed oil reduces the risk of the formation of blood clots, keeps blood pressure under control and helps in recovering post heart attack.
2. Helps in alleviating symptoms of menopause and PMS
Emotional as well as physical symptoms for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) are common in the majority of women, who are of reproductive age. These symptoms are mainly caused by a hormone called prolactin. Hemp seeds contain gamma-linoleic acid, which helps in the production of prostaglandin E1 and this helps in reducing the effects of prolactin. Women who have tried taking hemp seed oil regularly have noted much-reduced symptoms of PMS. As hemp seeds have a high content of GLA, it is effective in reducing symptoms of menopause as well (2). Hormone imbalances, inflammation, depression, irritability, breast tenderness and pain, fluid retention associated with PMS are also controlled with the help of hemp seed oil.
3. Works wonders for skin health and skin problems
The composition of the hemp seed oil is such that it helps in treating various kinds of skin ailments. As gamma-linoleic acid is added to various formulations, the hemp seed oil is seen to be used in various kinds of lipid-enriched creams and body oils. It is expected that these will penetrate through the skin and nourish the skin from deep within. Skin hydration and moisturization are enhanced to a great extent with this oil.
Along with skin moisturization and hydration, hemp seed oil has been seen to be quite effective in the treatment of various skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema, acne rosacea and psoriasis. The GLA component, which is present in hemp seed oil, is the main factor that helps in healing. The oil helps in relieving all kinds of discomfort which is associated with itchy skin. Hemp seed oil also plays an important role in skin strengthening (3). As a result, the skin is able to combat all kinds of bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
4. Helps in reducing rheumatoid arthritis
Innumerable people in the world suffer from the problem of rheumatoid arthritis. The ailment is actually an auto-immune condition. In this, the immune system starts attacking its own tissues in the body. The result is inflammation in the joints. In various kinds of research and studies, it has been found that hemp seed oil has anti-rheumatic effects to a certain extent. While some people opine that hemp seed oil has to be consumed for the effects; some opine that topical treatment with the oil also shows significant results. However, more research reports are awaited to ascertain all the facts completely.
5. Helps in alleviating inflammation in the body
Hemp seeds abound in omega 3s and the ratio of healthy omega-3 to omega-6 can help in reducing inflammation to a great extent together. Along with this, hemp seeds are a good source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA). It is a kind of polyunsaturated fatty acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Alleviating inflammation might help in managing the symptoms of various chronic diseases including arthritis, metabolic syndrome, heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc (4).
6. Helps in protecting the brain
In various studies and research reports, it has been found that hemp seed extract contains antioxidant effects. These effects are seen from the cannabidiol (CBD) content of the seeds. CBD and other components in the seeds come with anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective effects. The immune system is also regulated with the help of these seeds (5). Because of these various properties, CBD helps in various kinds of neurological conditions including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and childhood seizure disorders.
7. Has anti-cancer properties
Hemp seed oil contains small amounts of cannabinoids (CBD). CBD has been used in many places for managing symptoms of cancer in various patients. In one study report, it has been seen that cannabinoid extracts help in inhibiting the growth of lung adenocarcinoma cells in the body. When other advanced tests were done, it was seen that there are proapoptotic, antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects of CBD on various kinds of malignancies of prostate, breast, and skin. More research and studies (6) are being done on these matters to understand them better.
8. Great source of fiber for the body
Fiber is a very favorite of the digestive system. The reason is that fiber helps in maintaining the overall health of the digestive system. It helps in keeping constipation at bay, it helps in nourishing and balancing healthy bacteria in the gut and it reduces the risks of various kinds of digestive disorders and even cancers. Though the fiber content is obtained when hemp seeds are consumed in any form. However, with hemp seed oil, a nutrient rich gel kind of product is formed, which helps in soothing the gut to quite an extent. Cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels are managed and controlled exceptionally well with hemp seed oil.
Lots of research and studies are still going on regarding hemp seed oil and the benefits that it brings to the body. With increased demands from people, this oil is now available quite readily in the market. The concentrations of the oils might vary. Purchase the one which seems most suitable for you. Since this is a completely natural ingredient, there are practically no chances of any kind of side effects taking place from the same.