Hemp Oil, a plant from the Cannabis family, was used extensively for food, drink, and fibers over 3000 years ago in Ancient India.
Hemp oil production might even date back to ancient China and Mesopotamia in 4,000 to 6,000 BC.
Today, we understand much more about hemp’s immense health benefits and excellent nutritional profile.
Let’s delve into what are the Health Benefits of Hemp Oil, and how it differs from CBD oil, to which it’s often confused.
Hemp Oil vs. CBD Oil: They’re Not The Same Thing!
While hemp oil has been a staple in health and wellness circles for millennia, with the rise of CBD, there’s been some confusion over whether hemp oil is CBD oil and vice versa.
Well, both hemp oil and CBD are extracted from hemp plants, but that’s more-or-less where their relationship ends.
While they both hail from the same fundamental source, their composition, benefits, and potential drawbacks are distinct.
Here’s a comparison to help you make an informed decision between the two.
Source, Composition, and Uses
Hemp Seed Oil: Extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, this oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids, vitamins, and nutrients. It doesn’t contain significant amounts of cannabinoids like its counterpart, CBD oil. Its nutritional profile contains omega fatty acids, namely omega-3 and 6. In addition to being consumed for its nutritional profile, its moisturizing properties have earned it a place in various skincare products.
CBD Oil: This is derived predominantly from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the hemp plant, known for its rich cannabinoid content. CBD oil has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic benefits, tapping into the endocannabinoid system in our body. It’s now ubiquitous in wellness products and supplements, targeting issues like pain, anxiety, and insomnia.
The Shortcomings of CBD Oil and How Hemp Oil Can Help
While CBD oil has gained popularity for its potential health benefits, it does have some drawbacks and limitations.
While CBD is certainly a meritable compound, it shouldn’t be confused with hemp oil as a catch-all product that offers all the benefits of the hemp plant.
Instead, CBD and hemp oil are different and serve separate beneficial purposes. In some cases, one can safely consume hemp oil for its benefits when CBD wouldn’t otherwise be recommended, including:
- Potential Drug Interaction: CBD can interfere with certain medications, changing their effectiveness or side-effect profile.
- Dry Mouth: A frequently reported side effect among CBD users.
- Low Blood Pressure: Large doses of CBD might lead to a temporary blood pressure drop, which can cause discomfort or even syncope (fainting) in some individuals.
- Drowsiness: High doses can induce feelings of drowsiness, making tasks like driving or operating machinery risky.
- Liver Issues: There are emerging concerns regarding the potential for liver damage with chronic, excessive CBD use.
Let’s move on to address the many benefits of consuming hemp oil.
Benefits of Consuming Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is a remarkable natural product with a variety of health benefits backed by scientific evidence.
Here’s a closer look:
Nutritional Powerhouse
Hemp seed oil comprises essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6.
Interest in the nutritional value of omega acids surged after a study of the Greenland Inuit in the 1970s, where diets containing high proportions of fatty acids were correlated with low cholesterol and triglyceride.
Today, we know a myriad of plants and other foods contain omega acids in varying proportions.
In the case of hemp seeds, they contain an excellent ratio of omega-3 to omega-6, which makes them one of the finest sources of omega fatty acids in any non-fish food.
Supports Skin Health
One of the notable components of hemp seed oil is its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
According to a 2005 study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, hemp seed oil can alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, and its continued use can vastly improve skin health over time.
Brain Health
The fatty acids found in hemp seed oil are essential for brain health. A 2010 study published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience emphasized that omega-3 fatty acids protect the brain against inflammation and foster the growth of new neurons.
Healthline mentions a new study from 2023 that shows how omega-3 reduces the risk of early-onset dementia and slows the progression of complications like retinal deterioration.
Hormone Balance
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), found in hemp seed oil, plays a pivotal role in hormone health. A 2011 study published in the Journal of Reproductive Health Nutrition suggests that GLA can benefit those suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Boosts Immunity
The omega compounds in hemp seed oil have been linked to bolstering the immune system.
A 2013 study in the European Journal of Pharmacology explored the potential immunomodulatory effects of these fatty acids, indicating their potential role in enhancing our body’s defense mechanisms.
Heart Health
Beyond its omega profile, hemp seed oil may assist in reducing cholesterol levels. A 2011 study published in Current Atherosclerosis Reports found that hemp oil achieves this by reducing the liver’s production of triglycerides and clearing cholesterol from the bloodstream.
Antioxidant Properties
Hemp seed oil is a good source of Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that effectively reduces inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a culprit behind many diseases.
Numerous studies link omega fatty acids to reduced inflammation, mitigating and moderating many diseases and conditions, from arthritis to neurodegenerative diseases and even depression.
How to Consume Hemp Seed Oil
Hemp seed oil is readily available in both full-spectrum oil and convenient capsules.
Taking hemp in a concentrated tablet or capsule form is convenient for individuals who may not prefer the taste of hemp seed oil or its integration into meals.
Capsules provide a consistent dosage, ensuring you receive the same amount of beneficial compounds in each serving. This precision can be especially advantageous for those tracking their intake or aiming for specific therapeutic effects.
Moreover, capsules are portable and discreet, making them a favored choice for people on the go.
Recently, hemp supplements have taken advantage of hemp oil’s excellent omega acid profile.
For instance, Tahiro’s Brain Protect Nano Omega 5 Hemp Oil offers the wonderful health benefits of hemp, including tapping into omega-5 extracted from pomegranate seeds. This product also contains full-spectrum hemp oil, offering a potent source of omega-3 and 6.
Final Words
Both hemp seed oil and CBD oil offer a range of benefits, but it’s crucial to differentiate between the two and choose what aligns with your health goals.
Whether it’s the nutritional benefits of hemp seed oil or the potential therapeutic effects of CBD oil, the hemp plant indeed brings a lot to the table – and there’s much more to learn about its millennia-old benefits and uses.
Always remember to consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen.
