Hemp Seed oil is derived from seeds of the hemp plant. Hemp is a variety of the Cannabis Sativa plant and is different from the marijuana form as it contains less than 0.3% THC.

Hemp seed oil can also be referred to as hemp oil, but it is important to note that hemp oil can also be used to describe CBD oil as well.

Hemp Seed Oil benefits may include:

• Nutritious “Superfood”
• Inflammatory Properties
• Reducing Risk of Heart Disease
• Promoting Brain Health
• Antioxidant Properties
• Aiding in Skin Conditions

There are numerous health claims surrounding hemp seed oil and this article aims to connect scientific evidence to each of these popular claims.

Hemp Seed Oil is a Nutritious “Superfood”

Hemp seeds are often claimed as one of the most complete sources of nutrition for a well-balanced, healthy life. This is a well-backed claim as hemp seeds are rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Unlike other carrier oils, hemp seed oil has an almost perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and is an excellent source of vitamin E, iron, and essential amino acids.

Hemp seeds also contain a healthy amount of Gamma linolenic acid, which is linked to improved brain functionality, metabolism benefits, and reproductive health. The high levels of GLA may also decrease the physical or emotional symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

The properties found in hemp have also been known to have anti-inflammatory effects.

It has been suggested that including omega-3 fatty acids, such as ones found in hemp seed oil, to your diet boost anti-inflammatory properties. But there is much more to hemp seed oil that links this superfood to anti-inflammatory effects.

The magic ratio is 3:1 when it comes to the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is found in hemp seeds. While omega-3 fatty acids are attributed to anti-inflammatory properties, it is with the proper 3:1 ratio that numerous health benefits are achieved, including anti-inflammation (as confirmed in a scientific report from 2000).

While the optimal levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are well-documented in aid to inflammation, there is another player that could prove to boost the anti-inflammatory properties of hemp seed oil.

Grossamide, a compound found in hemp seeds, has been reported to aid with inflammation in the nervous system. While the anti-inflammatory effects remain unclear, a study in April 2017 suggested that grossamide could potentially help with neuroinflammatory properties in neurodegenerative diseases.

Reduced inflammation may also play a role in decreasing your risk of heart disease.

Heart Disease

Did you know that hemp seeds could help keep your heart healthy?

Since hemp seeds contain a high amount of the amino acid arginine, they produce an essential gas molecule known as nitric oxide.

Nitric oxide helps your blood vessels relax and dilate, which is directly linked to lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease. A study in February 2005 supports this by connecting increased arginine intake with decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), which is linked to heart disease.

If that wasn’t enough, the 3:1 optimal ratio for omega-3 and omega-6 acids has been reported to assist in the prevention of blood clotting.

Hemp seeds are also an excellent source of magnesium, which helps keep blood pressure normal, aids in the metabolism of food, and is associated with muscle relaxation and improved neuromuscular transmission.

Brain Health

Does hemp seed oil promote a healthy brain?

A recent study in November 2018 explores the effects of hemp seeds on memory dysfunction. While the study was not tested on humans, they found that the treatment of hempseed extract prevented the learning and spatial memory damage in mice. From a neuroprotective perspective, the study demonstrated the potential for hemp seed oil to support brain activity.

Other studies support that the CBD found in hemp may have neuroprotective effects and could help boost the immune system. While CBD is not found in hemp seed oil, they can be used together to build upon a synergistic relationship known as the entourage effect.

Antioxidant Properties in Hemp Seed Oil

Included with the wide range of health benefits from the near-perfect 3:1 omega-6 to omega-3 ratio is the antioxidant properties.

This is supported by a Food Chemistry research study published in October 2018, which highlights the antioxidant activity that was found in the seeds and sprouts of the hemp plant. While they state that the beneficial effects of hemp should be further investigated, it was concluded that both the seeds and germination of hemp exert antioxidant properties.

This claim is also supported in a 2005 study that examines the antioxidant properties of black caraway, cranberry, and hemp seed oils. It was concluded that all the cold-pressed oils may promote disease prevention and health promotion with antioxidant properties.

Skin Disorders

Circling back to the optimal omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, the content of these polyunsaturated fatty acids found in hemp seed oil could also be effective in the treatment of many skin conditions.

In 2005, a 20-week study focused on the efficacy of hemp seed oil with atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema. In the randomized study, patients were either given olive oil or hemp seed oil. The study concluded that the balanced and abundant supply of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3) improved the clinical symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Balanced levels of omega-3 are also known to aid in the treatment of acne and psoriasis although the extent of effects offered from hemp seed oil requires further research.

Multiple Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

It comes to no surprise that hemp seeds are known as one of the most balanced “superfoods” in the marketplace.

It is also the perfect candidate to be used as a carrier oil to dilute more concentrated elements like CBD. When combining the hemp seed oil with CBD oil, you may be able to take full advantage of multiple health benefits as both oils come from the same cannabis plant. This could allow the elements to work together in a synergistic manner, boosting the efficacy of benefits that may result from the oils.

At 43 CBD Solutions, we always use 100% organic and natural golden hemp seed oil that has a light appearance and a natural, earthy taste as it is cold-pressed from the hulled seeds of the hemp plant. We believe that the highest-quality CBD oil is to be full-spectrum and paired with a natural hemp seed oil made from the same plant.  

Learn more about 43 CBD Solutions’ farm-to-table process or check out our shop to see if there is a right CBD product for you.

Sources:

Hempseed as a Nutritional Resource: An Overview

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10681-004-4811-6

GLA: Fit for a King?

https://www.healthline.com/health/gla-fit-for-a-king#gla

Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Inflammation and Anxiety in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191260/

The Composition of Hemp Seed Oil and Its Potential as an Important Source of Nutrition

http://www.davoil.ro/documente/the-composition-of-seed-oil-and-its-potential-as-an-important-source-nutrition.pdf

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of grossamide from hemp seed via suppression of TLR-4-mediated NF-κB signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 microglia cells

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11010-016-2923-7

Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Inflammation and Anxiety in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3191260/

Dietary nitrates, nitrites, and cardiovascular disease.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21968645

Association between dietary arginine and C-reactive protein.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15723738

What are the health benefits of hemp?

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/308044.php#possible-health-benefits-of-consuming-hemp

Nutraceutical potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds and sprouts

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814618307180?via%3Dihub

Antioxidant properties of cold-pressed black caraway, carrot, cranberry, and hemp seed oils

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814604005412

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Phenylpropionamides Composition and Effects on Memory Dysfunction and Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6288804/

Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938896/

Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09546630510035832

Linking diet to acne metabolomics, inflammation, and comedogenesis: an update

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4507494/

Essential fatty acids for premenstrual syndrome and their effect on prolactin and total cholesterol levels: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3033240/