Hemp has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years. It was and still is used for a variety of purposes – from clothing, fuel and food.
From a nutritional point of view, hemp seeds are a natural wonder of goodness packed into a tiny seed.
It is rich in protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids including omega 3 and 6. It contains insoluble fibre, essential minerals such as zinc and calcium and Vitamin E, the oil has a nutty flavour.
With all the nutritious elements, it is no wonder it is frequently added to both food and healthcare products. And one of the most popular products hemp seeds are made into is Hempseed oil.
Hempseed oil is obtained by cold pressing the seeds and creates an oil that is dark to clear light green in color.
However, the oil does not contain the same vitamins and antioxidants that the seeds themselves do.
The Difference Between Hemp Seed Oil, CBD or Hemp Oil
Hemp oil – also known as CBD oil is not made of hemp seeds but rather the leaves, flowers and fibre of the hemp plant. CBD oil is frequently used in medications to treat cancer, inflammatory disorders, and mood conditions – such as depression. Because it contains, at most, trace elements of THC, it cannot get you high. CBD oil should also not be confused with THC oil, which is made from plants with high levels of THC, and does indeed have a psychoactive effect (although it acts more slowly than smoking dry cannabis bud).
Hempseed oil, in comparison to hemp oil, actually creates a higher quality oil than that is obtained from the plant fibre itself. When looking for this oil, look on product packaging for specific information that says that the oil has been made from the seeds rather than the plant. Like CBD oil, it contains at most, trace amounts of THC, which have no psychoactive effect.
That said, there have been incidents where people who have used either hempseed or CBD oil who have tested positive for trace amounts of THC in drug tests, however, this is far from common.
Find out more about the health and wellness benefits of hemp seeds here.
Most Significant Benefits
Here are some of the most notable health benefits of hempseed oil for health, wellness, and even beauty:
- Hempseed oil is mostly used in body care products although it is sometimes used as a dietary aid because of its high levels of essential fatty acids – like Omega 3 and 6.
- It has high levels of both Omega-3 and 6 in hemp oil help improve immunity, protect nerve cells and prevent both blood clots and varicose veins.
- Hempseed oil is frequently added to health foods because of the levels of both fatty acids and proteins. It can be consumed in salads and other food that does not require high heat to prepare. When cooked, the oil begins to smoke at low temperatures which is why it is not recommended for baking or frying.
- The nutrients in the oil helps regenerate the skin’s protective layer, to treat dry hair and helps remoisturize dry and cracked nails. For that reason, it is frequently found in soaps and conditioners – both for the hair and body.
Are There Any Negatives?
Hempseed oil does not have significant amounts of THC – for several reasons. The first is that (unlike cannabis oil), it is made from plants (hemp) that do not contain high levels of THC to begin with. Further, since the seeds are cleaned before the oil is pressed from the seeds, the minimal amounts of THC sometimes found in hemp generally, do not make their way into the oil.
The attention in the U.S. at least, has been on regulating the marijuana industry (i.e. the plant with THC). In the U.K, however, the government has recently moved to regulate the CBD oil industry.
Because the industry, has so far, not been highly regulated, consumers should be wary of either buying or believing the claims of manufacturers – sadly even including labelling information.
Do you think the availability of Hempseed oil to the public should be regulated?
Share your thoughts on the comments below!
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