Hemp seed oil is produced from the hemp plant, which is a variety of the Cannabis sativa plant species. However, hemp seed oil is free of any narcotic properties. While the whole hemp plant can be pressed for oil, the best oil comes from the seeds.
Unrefined cold pressed hemp seed oil has a distinctive rich nutty flavour and is greenish in colour. If the hemp seed oil you purchase is lacking these qualities, it means it’s been refined.
Hemp Seed Oil Benefits
- Hemp seed oil contains up to 80% polyunsaturated fatty acids. This is the good fats you want to include in your hair and skin care regimen.
- Hemp seed oil has the perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids, which is the optimal requirement for a healthy body. This makes it one of the best oils for the body.
- Hemp seed oil contains a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that can help lower bad cholesterol in the system.
- Hemp seed oil is a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps keep free radicals in the body at bay.
- Additional minerals in hemp seed oil include potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Hemp Seed Oil for Skin
- Take a look at some of your skin care products. If you have one that lists petroleum as part of the ingredients, you can easily replace that with hemp seed oil. Consider making your own at home if it’s not too complicated.
- Hemp seed oil can be used as a moisturizing body oil for dry, itchy skin. You can include it as one of the oils in your body butter recipe.
- You can also add 1 – 2 tablespoons into your daily smoothie. Read Switch Up Your Smoothies with this Premium Natural Oils.
- The fatty acids in hemp seed oil can help prevent psoriasis.
Hemp Seed Oil for Hair
Hemp seed oil is a ceramide oil, which means it helps the cuticle lay flat and protected from damage. It’s comprised of 25% protein and can help facilitate the keratin formation on hair. It moisturizes, strengthens and softens hair. Read How to Achieve Silky Hair with Hemp Seed Oil.
Hemp Seed Oil for Health
Unrefined hemp seed oil has a low smoking point therefore it’s unsuitable for cooking. However, you can include hemp seeds in your diet to get the benefits. Read Should You Add Hemp Seeds to Your Diet?
You can also use hemp seed oil as part of salad dressing although that’s subject to your taste buds as the aroma and taste is quite strong. Consume in small amounts though as a high amount can cause diarrhea, nausea or cramps.
Best Hemp Seed Oil Brands
While unrefined hemp seed oil is the best, it doesn’t have a long shelf life and can go rancid quickly. I usually store mine in my refrigerator where it lasts for up to a year. Below are my top 5 brands:
Just Hemp Foods Cold Pressed Hemp Oil
Sweet Essentials Organic Unrefined Hemp Seed Oil
Manitoba Harvest Organic Hemp Oil
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