Hemp oil is derived from the seeds of the hemp plant. It is characterized by its light green color and nutty flavor. Hemp oil has many beneficial properties and uses for both health, cosmetic and food purposes.
History
The cannabis plant has been used for an array of purposes for thousands of years throughout the world. According to Eco-Natural, Hemp use dates back to 4,000 B.C. in China. The resurgence in interest for the hemp plant and its oil has recently flourished in the United States. Hemp oil is yielded by a process called cold-pressing, where the oil is meticulously extracted from hemp seeds. The result is a light, sweet and nutty tasting oil that is appreciated by many.
Nutritional Content
Hemp seed oil is composed of 25 percent protein and 40 percent fat, according to Andrew Weil, M.D. It's known for its remarkable fatty acid profile because it contains good amounts of essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are lipids that the body cannot produce and must be obtained through dietary sources such as hemp oil. Hemp seed oil is composed of different essential fatty acids: 57 percent linoleic and 19 percent linolenic acids.
Uses
Unrefined hemp oil is rich in nutrients and has a nutty flavor that makes it ideal for various dressings, dips and food spreads. The North American Industrial Hemp Council reports that hemp oil is often combined with other oils such as olive, walnut or safflower for cooking purposes. Refined hemp oil has little flavor and nutrients and is used for an array of cosmetics, personal care products, lubricants and paint. Hemp oil is also used as a base for soaps and shampoos.
Benefits
Diets that are composed of foods that contain essential fatty acids such as hemp oil are associated with improved cholesterol profiles, according to Andrew Weil, M.D. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation and aid individuals with arthritis and autoimmune disorders. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported the effects of linolenic acid intake on cardiovascular health. The results reported that high consumption of lionlenic acid was associated with reduced cardiovascular disease risk among men and women. Hemp oil has also been proven to be effective against atopic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disorder. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment reported that dietary hemp oil improved symptoms of atopic dermatitis in patients. The investigators concluded that the benefits resulted from the abundant supply of essential fatty acids that occur naturally in hemp oil.
Misconceptions
Many individuals often correlate hemp with marijuana, but according to Manitoba Harvest, there are many differences between the two plants. Hemp only contains a relatively small fraction of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, compared to marijuana. This low amount of THC allows hemp use and cultivation to be legal. Both plants are part of the cannabis family, but consuming hemp products will not cause a false positive drug test or cause symptoms associated with marijuana use.
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