The Health Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto
Photo credit: Bigstockphoto

Hemp oil is a type of light or dark green oil derived from pressed hemp seeds. The oil has a grassy aroma and a nutty flavor. Clear hemp oil is the refined version of this oil. Refined hemp oil has very little vitamins and antioxidants compared to cold pressed hemp oil. Essentially, the darker the oil, the higher the nutritional and medicinal value. In today’s post, we are listing down the amazing health benefits of hemp seed oil:

Beneficial Fat

Contrary to popular belief, not all types of fats are bad for the health. Animal fats – such as lard or butter – contain artery-clogging fats that cause heart disease. Plant-based fats like the unsaturated fats of hemp oil are actually good for the heart. According to the American Health association, controlled consumption of plant-based oil reduces the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. In the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a study found that the fatty acids from hemp oil reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases!

Hemp oil is incredibly heart friendly. It accelerates the body’s metabolic processes to decrease bad cholesterol in the arteries. When the body is able to process fat at a much faster rate, less stored fat accumulate in the arterial wall.

Essential Nutrients

Cold pressed hemp oil is packed with a long list of essential nutrients including amino acids that protect from muscle loss and promote muscle growth! According to a report by the Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional, and Medicinal Foods, hemp oil contains modest amounts of vitamins and minerals. These nutrients include calcium, copper, folate, magnesium, and vitamin E and B6!

Protects from Chronic Diseases

The essential fatty acids in hemp oil do a lot of wonders for the body. Hemp oil contains sitosterol, a chemical that lowers cholesterol in the body. It also contains tocopherols, antioxidants that protect from cell damage. Antioxidants also protect the cells from mutation, DNA damage, and chronic diseases like cancer.

A study published in the Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional and Medicinal Foods reported that hemp oil contains potent anti-cancer agents, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These essential fats protect the brain and heart from blood clots, inflammation, and oxidation. Omega 3 fatty acids, in particular, reduces the risk of cancer while promoting better brain function. Hemp oil is also rich in docosahexaenoic acid or DHA, which is crucial to brain and eye health among developing fetus.

Promotes Immunity

The same nutrients in hemp oil that protect the cells from mutation also promote immunity. Hemp oil aids in immunity by keeping the gastrointestinal tract healthy. The nutrients in hemp oil promote healthy intestinal flora. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids also promote immunity by creating a protective barrier against bad gut microbes.

When the gastrointestinal tract is working properly, the body absorbs nutrients more efficiently. When the cells and tissues are healthy, the body is more resistant to common infections such as cold, cough, and flu!

Beauty Benefits

You can use hemp oil to strengthen weak, brittle nails, revive lackluster hair, or achieve smooth, supple skin! The healthy fats and antioxidants of hempseed oil nourish the cells, alleviating irritation, inflammation, and redness. Because hemp oil is high in fatty acids, it protects from premature aging!


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