Hemp seed oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, which is commonly known as hemp. A highly nutritious oil, hemp seed oil is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, B vitamins, essential amino acids and powerful antioxidants. Thanks to these beneficial components, hemp seed oil offers plenty of health benefits, such as supporting healthy skin and optimal immune health. The beneficial properties of hemp seed oil make it a worthy addition to your arsenal of natural ingredients.
A brief history of hemp
When most people see the words “Cannabis sativa,” the first thing they think about isn’t hemp or its nutritious seeds but the controversial medicinal plant, marijuana (Cannabis indica). But these two plants are different from each other. Hemp is an ancient plant widely cultivated for its fiber and edible seeds. The first use of hemp dates back some 10,000 years to roughly the same time humans began developing agriculture. As such, it is believed that hemp is one of the first crops humans learned to grow and harvest. [1]
Historical records suggest that hemp, hemp seeds and hemp oil were part of the diet of the ancient Chinese. The oldest known paper used in China was also made from hemp, and many historical documents have been written and printed on paper made from hemp fiber. Even today, hemp fiber is used in tea bags, cigarette papers, paper currency and other specialty papers. Ancient Asian mariners also made good use of sturdy canvas sails made from the fibrous stalks of hemp plants. [2]
Hemp came to America in the early 1600s when English settlers decided to grow the plant. Despite the many useful applications of hemp, its cultivation declined in the early 1900s when the United States’ government placed a tax on all cannabis sales. This decision was meant to curb the growing use of marijuana, but hemp was lumped together with the controversial plant, effectively halting its production.
Scientists later found that hemp and its derivatives contain practically negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. [3] This is primarily why hemp, hemp seeds and hemp seed oil were removed from the list of illegal substances under the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018. Shortly after, hemp production saw a revival, as well as consumer and research interest in the potential health benefits and various applications of hemp-derived products like hemp seed oil.
Health benefits of hemp seed oil*
Hemp seeds are some of the most nutrient-dense foods known to man. These seeds, which taste like a cross between sunflower seeds and pine nuts, are rich in healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Hemp seed oil, in particular, is over 80% PUFAs and is a great source of two essential fatty acids, namely, linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. Hemp seeds are also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D and E, as well as minerals like copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. [4]
In addition, hemp seeds are packed with protein. They contain more than 30% protein and are one of the few plant-based foods that contain all nine essential amino acids – the building blocks of protein – that the human body can’t produce. These include histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. On top of that, hemp seeds are an excellent source of both insoluble and soluble dietary fibers – carbohydrates that are known to support healthy digestion and optimal gut health.
Given the impressive nutrient content of hemp seeds, it’s no surprise that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil have been linked to many health benefits. Here are some of them:
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Supports healthy cardiovascular function
Hemp seed oil contains high amounts of the amino acid, arginine, which is converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a gas molecule that supports healthy cardiovascular function by helping maintain healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. A study published in the journal Inflammation also found that the high amounts of gamma-linolenic acid in hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can support a healthy heart. [5]
Meanwhile, the alpha-linolenic acid in hemp seed oil is believed to support healthy cardiovascular function by helping maintain normal heart rhythm. It can also support healthy blood pressure levels that are already within the normal range. [6]
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Supports healthy cognitive function
The brain needs healthy fats to function properly. Fortunately, hemp seed oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is essential for the proper growth and functional development of the brain of infants and young children. In adults, DHA is also required for the maintenance of normal cognitive function. DHA accounts for 97% of the omega-3 fatty acids found in the brain and 25% of the brain’s total fat content. [7]
Hemp seed oil is also packed with powerful compounds called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds that can neutralize highly reactive molecules called free radicals. [8] Free radicals are byproducts of metabolic activities, meaning they are naturally generated by your body. For instance, they are generated when brain cells use oxygen to carry out crucial metabolic activities. In this case, free radicals help support brain cell growth and cognitive functioning. [9]
At very high levels, however, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which can damage healthy cells and their components. Excess free radicals can damage structures inside brain cells and even cause cell death. [10] Fortunately, polyphenols possess free-radical scavenging properties, according to a study published in the journal Biological Research. [11] There are many types of antioxidant polyphenols in hemp seed oil, including flavonoids, lignans and phenolic acids.
A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that the cold-pressed seed oil of the Finola cultivar of industrial hemp is particularly rich in the flavonoid, quercetin. [12] Quercetin helps protect brain endothelial cells, which join tightly together to form the blood-brain barrier, against oxidative stress. This barrier is important because it supports the health of your central nervous system. [13][14]
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Supports healthy immune function
Fatty acids may affect your body’s immune responses. In fact, studies show that immune function is influenced by the balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid levels. [15] Hemp seed oil is a good source of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio in hemp seed oil is normally between 1:2 and 1:3, which is considered to be optimal for human health. [16]
Since a huge part of the immune system is in the gut, hemp seed oil can further support healthy immune function by feeding the friendly bacteria in the gut. One of the main jobs of these bacteria is to ensure that your digestive system is functioning properly. [17] According to a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the omega-3 fatty acids in hemp seed oil can be considered prebiotics and can serve as food for beneficial gut bacteria. [18]
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Supports healthy-looking hair
According to a study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, the omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and gamma-linolenic acid in hemp seed oil can support the growth of healthy hair by ensuring that each strand retains enough moisture. [19] A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology also reported that supplementing with omega-3s can support healthy-looking, glowing hair in women. [20]
Additionally, hemp seed oil is rich in vitamin E, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and scalp. Vitamin E helps create a protective barrier on the scalp’s surface to lock in moisture. As an antioxidant, vitamin E also gives hair a strong base to grow from by protecting hair follicles from oxidative stress. [21]
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Supports healthy, glowing skin
Hemp seed oil can support healthy, glowing skin, an effect that experts believe is largely due to the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids found in the oil. These essential fatty acids are the building blocks of healthy skin cell membranes and are important for the production of the skin’s natural oil barrier. In addition, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids help keep the skin hydrated and younger-looking, and can even help protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. [22]
Hemp seed oil is also non-comedogenic, meaning it can naturally moisturize the skin without clogging pores. Because it is easily absorbed by the skin, hemp seed oil won’t leave any greasy residue. [23]
Where to get organic hemp seed oil
Given the many benefits of hemp seed oil, you may be thinking of trying it for yourself. But not all hemp seed oils are created equal. Many hemp seed oil products on the market are not organic, meaning they were derived from hemp plants that have been to exposed synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. These chemical-laden oils are bad for your health and can increase your risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Many hemp seed oil products also contain gluten, GMOs and fillers.
The Health Ranger Store recognizes the health-supporting properties of clean, high-quality hemp seed oil, which is why we’re bringing you Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Seed Oil. Our premium food-grade hemp seed oil contains no gluten, GMOs or fillers and is certified Kosher and organic. More than just a superfood, it can also double as a moisturizer, carrier oil and hair care product.
Dark in color and nutty in flavor, Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Seed Oil contains no THC and provides an abundance of PUFAs that support healthy cardiovascular, cognitive and immune functions. The heart-healthy PUFAs in our premium food-grade hemp seed oil can also nourish your hair and moisturize your skin, as well as protect it from harmful UV rays.
Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Seed Oil is vegan, non-China, non-irradiated and lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.
How to use hemp seed oil
Fatty fish and fish oil supplements are loaded with essential fatty acids. But if you’re following a vegan or a vegetarian diet, getting these fatty acids from your diet may be difficult. Much of the marine life is also contaminated with microplastic. Fortunately, hemp seed oil is a great source of essential fatty acids. Because it is plant-based, you can easily meet your daily fatty acid needs with hemp seed oil even if you have dietary restrictions. Hemp seed oil is the ideal vegan-friendly alternative to fatty fish and fish oil supplements.
As a culinary ingredient, hemp seed oil can give a pleasantly nutty, earthy flavor to your favorite smoothies, protein shakes, dips, soups, salad dressings and sandwich spread. Hemp seed oil also has uses beyond the kitchen. For instance, you can use it to dilute skin-soothing essential oils to support natural skin cell repair and hydration without clogging your pores. Because it is easily absorbed by the skin, hemp seed oil can also serve as a natural moisturizer that won’t leave any greasy residue. You can also add hemp seed oil to your shampoo to help nourish your scalp.
Recipe: Hemp seed oil smoothie
Increase your intake of healthy fatty acids with this hemp seed oil smoothie. Enjoy it on its own as an indulgent yet healthy liquid dessert. It’s also a great drink to have after a workout.
Ingredients for 2 servings:
- 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
- 1 apple, quartered
- 2 cups organic coconut milk
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 Tablespoons Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Seed Oil
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon raw honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
Directions:
- Put all the ingredients in a blender. Blend for one minute or until smooth.
- Pour into 2 glasses and sprinkle with whole hemp seeds if desired. Serve and enjoy.
Whether you’re looking to increase your intake of healthy fats or just searching for something to use as a moisturizer or hair care product, Health Ranger Select Organic Hemp Seed Oil has you covered.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://ministryofhemp.com
[4] https://www.healthline.com
[7] https://www.verywellmind.com
[8] https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
[9] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[10] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
[11] https://biolres.biomedcentral.com
[12] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[13] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[14] https://www.frontiersin.org
[15] https://aocs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[16] https://link.springer.com
[18] https://www.mdpi.com
[19] https://www.tandfonline.com
[20] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
[21] https://www.healthline.com
[22] https://lpi.oregonstate.edu
[23] https://www.byrdie.com
