Used for generations, hemp seed oil is proving to have many health benefits and uses in today's society. Hemp was commonly traded among nations in the past. People have many misconceptions about it, and it has been banned at various times throughout history.
Recent studies and further research are beginning to explain how hemp seed oil can be a benefit to our health.
History
Although the origins of hemp are not completely certain, it is known that ship sails and riggings were made from hemp as early as the fifth century B.C. Its resistance to mildew and tearing makes it an important textile, and it is still used today. Christopher Columbus kept hemp seed on board when sailing so he could grow crops in the event of a shipwreck.
Hemp seed oil was used in Henry Ford's automobile, but due to prohibition, his work with hemp came to an abrupt stop. Hemp seed was also used to make nontoxic paints in 1935, but again, due to prohibition, these products were banned, and petro-chemical paints were produced instead.
Grade Type
There are three different grades of hemp seed oil; these depend on the age of the oil and how it was pressed.
Nutritional grade hemp seed oil resists oxidation and has a longer shelf life. Hemp seed oil of this grade is used for nutrition purposes and is commonly used in salad dressings.
Hemp oil used in body care products has little nutritional value but is easily absorbed into the skin. Its antimicrobial properties make it a desirable ingredient for soaps and shampoos.
Traditional grade hemp oil is similar to the oil used in body care products, as they both come from the same source. Once hemp oil used for body care products is older than a week, it becomes technical grade and is used to make resins, paints and industrial oils.
Misconceptions
Hemp comes from the same genus of plant that cannabis comes from but does not contain the same compounds. Cannabis, otherwise known as marijuana, is illegal and is used as a drug to gain a "high" by users. This "high" is caused by the substance delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Hemp does not contain THC, and as a result, you do not get "high" when using hemp products.
Health Benefits
Almost 500,000 people die each year due to coronary disease. Diets high in linoleic acid have reduced cholesterol levels by 15 percent. The "International Study of Macro-Micronutrients and Blood Pressure" found linoleic acid may also help prevent and control high blood pressure. Hemp seed oil is high in linoleic acid and is recognized as a healthy oil. In September 2004, the FDA announced it would allow a "qualified health claim" for some foods that contained omega-3 fatty acids; hemp oil is on that list.
These fatty acids also help form healthy cell membranes and encourage proper brain and nervous system development. Consuming food grade hemp oil increases the levels of essential fatty acids in our bodies and assists in optimal health.
Hemp oil used in body care products is easily absorbed into the skin and helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier. Massage clinics also use hemp oil-based lotions due to their ability to easily absorb into the skin. Omega-6 fatty acids assist in moisture retention and minimize skin discomfort by assisting in the healing process for dry, cracked skin.
Potential Uses
Hemp seed oil currently has many uses, with more under investigation. While consumers use hemp seed oil for nutritional purposes, body care and industrial use, researchers are discovering other uses for hemp seed oil.
In 2001, a 1983 Mercedes was converted to use biodiesel and toured across the United States. The biodiesel fuel it used was hemp seed oil, and the car produced 80 percent fewer greenhouse gases compared with petroleum-fueled cars.
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