The health benefits of hemp come primarily from hemp seeds. Hemp seed oil (HSO) is raw and unrefined, retaining all the nutritional benefits of the seeds. India is witnessing an increase in the use of HSO as a cooking oil because of its rich nutrient profile. It can also be used as a skin and hair care supplement.
Hemp seed oil is a rich source of:
- Proteins
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
- Minerals (such as magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and more)
- Antioxidants (such as Vitamin E)
Essential Components of Hemp Seed Oil
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
HSO contains omega-6 and omega-3 in the optimal ratio of 3:1. The presence of these EFAs gives the oil anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great agent for decreasing inflammation and regulating the immune system.
Vitamin E
The oil contains high amounts of tocopherols—a component that gives Vitamin E its antioxidant properties. Through this property, it helps the human body fight a number of degenerative conditions. These include Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the naturally occurring chemical compounds that give plants and herbs their respective aromas. The terpenes present in the oil, myrcene and beta-caryophyllene, add to its anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties.
Plant Cholesterol
HSO contains bundles of phytosterols, in amounts higher than soybean and sunflower oil. These help in maintaining the cholesterol levels in the body keeping heart health in check.
Nourishing & Nutritious
HSO adds a boost of nourishment and nutrition to our regime. As a dietary supplement, it improves heart health, reduces inflammation, and boosts the immune system. As a skincare supplement, it helps keep the skin moisturized, young, and healthy.
Hemp Seed Oil as a Dietary Supplement
HSO has a low boiling point and is therefore not recommended for frying. It can, however, be used as a salad dressing and garnish.
#bhaangkatadka | Hemp Seed Oil Recipes
Bean Salad
- In a bowl, add vegetables, chicken/beans, and toppings of your choice.
- Add 2 tablespoons of hemp oil as a salad dressing.
- Mix well.
- Enjoy a healthy and nutritious bowl of salad!
Chickpea Spread
- Blend 1 cup chickpeas, 1.5 tablespoons of hemp oil, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil until smooth.
- Add garlic (or other toppings of your choice) and salt as per taste. Mix well.
- Use it as a sandwich spread!
Banana Smoothie
- Add peeled banana, oats/cereal, sugar/jaggery, and other fruits of your choice to a blender.
- Add 100-150ml of milk and 2 tablespoons of hemp oil.
- Blend until smooth.
- Enjoy before a workout!
Compared with other culinary oils, hemp seed oil contains low amounts of saturated fats and high amounts of polyunsaturated fat.
Hemp Seed Oil as a Skincare Supplement
The presence of antioxidants such as Vitamin E makes HSO a good skincare supplement. An increasing number of cosmetics brands in India are now using it as a prime ingredient in their skincare formulations.
#hempsaundarya | Hemp Seed Oil for Skincare
Moisturize That Skin
Use as a body oil for deep moisturization of the skin.
Nourish that Hair
Gently massage onto the scalp 60 minutes before hair wash.
Massage those Muscles
Use as a massage oil over inflamed or aching joints for instant relief.
Ingredients
This oil has been extracted from hemp seeds, is unrefined, and does not contain any additional ingredients.
Suggested use
- Use as cooking oil for shallow fry, dressing, and garnish.
- Use as hair oil for dandruff, dry scalp, etc.
- Use as a skin care oil for acne, blemishes, and blackheads.
- Use as a massage oil for inflamed and aching skin and joints.
Dosage
Unless directed otherwise by a professional, use 10-15ml per day as a nutritional supplement. For skincare, use as per convenience.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and light.
Possible Side Effects
When used as a nutritional supplement, HSO may affect digestion causing gastrointestinal trouble. Staying well hydrated and consuming cold foods/drinks (e.g. curd, black tea) can help manage this symptom.
As a skincare supplement, HSO is mostly suitable for all skin types but may cause a rash in some cases. Apply ice or aloe vera over the rash. If the rash intensifies or begins to itch, stop using the oil at the earliest.
Hemp Seed Oil in India | FAQs
What is Hemp Seed Oil?
Hemp seed oil (HSO) is oil obtained by cold pressing the seeds of the hemp plant.
Is Hemp Seed Oil legal in India?
Yes. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC in the leaves and flowers.
HSO comes from the seeds of the plant which contain negligible amounts of THC. Therefore, it is legal to use hemp seed oil in India.
Is Hemp oil the same as CBD?
Hemp Seed Oil differs from CBD oil with respect to the source and properties. The two have different therapeutic properties for the body.
HSO comes from the seed of the hemp plant and is rich in nutrients providing nourishment for different body parts.
CBD oil comes from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and is more helpful as a potential wellness supplement aiding in managing health problems such as pain, anxiety, depression, etc.
What is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil?
HSO differs from CBD oil with respect to the source and properties. The two have different therapeutic properties for the body.
HSO comes from the seed of the hemp plant and is rich in nutrients providing nourishment for different body parts.
CBD oil comes from the leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and is more helpful as a potential wellness supplement aiding in managing health problems such as pain, anxiety. Depression, etc.
Does hemp seed oil cause intoxication?
No. HSO does not contain the psychoactive compound THC and therefore, does not cause intoxication.
How to use hemp seed oil?
HSO can be used for the purpose of skincare and nutrition.
As a skincare supplement, hemp seed oil moisturizes the skin providing relief from inflammation and acne.
As a source of nutrition, it can replace other culinary oils for shallow frying. It also makes a good salad dressing and garnish in its raw form.
What does Hemp Seed Oil do for your body?
Hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids which give it anti-inflammatory properties. This way, hemp seed oil regulates the immune system. The presence of Vitamin E makes it a good antioxidant that helps fight various neurodegenerative disorders. The oil is also rich in phytosterol which balances the level of bad cholesterol in the body keeping heart health in check.
Can we use hemp seed oil as cooking oil?
Yes. HSO may be used for shallow frying, as a dressing, and for garnish. However, it’s boiling point is low and deep-frying is not recommended.
How to use hemp seed oil for skin care?
HSO can be used as any other skincare oil for the purpose of nourishing the scalp, fighting dandruff, and moisturising the skin. It can also be used as a massage oil over sore and inflamed areas.
How to use hemp seed oil in food?
It can be added to salads as a dressing and to smoothies or protein shakes as an ingredient. It can add a boost of nutrition to any dish.
See a list of 30 recipes you can cook with hemp oil, hearts, or protein powder.
Can pregnant women use hemp seed oil?
HSO can prove to be a rich source of nutrition for pregnant women. It enriches the skin and body with essential fatty acids and proteins.
Is Hemp oil good for pain?
Hemp seed oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in relieving inflammatory pain. It is a natural remedy for managing swelling, inflammation, and sore joints.
What are the side effects of hemp seed oil?
HSO may affect the gut causing indigestion and gastrointestinal problems. Staying hydrated and consuming cold foods or drinks helps manage this symptom.
As a skincare supplement, it is suitable for almost all skin types. It may, however, cause a rash in some cases. Apply aloe vera or ice over the affected area. If the rash intensifies or begins to itch, stop using the hemp seed oil immediately.
Is Hemp oil taken by mouth?
Hemp oil can be taken orally either as a supplement or as an addition to everyday meals.
Does Hemp oil make you sleepy?
Hemp seed oil does not contain the psychoactive compound, THC and therfore, does not cause any intoxication or feeling of sleepiness.
Is Hemp oil safe to ingest?
Yes. Hemp seed oil is an edible and digestible seed oil that can be consumed directly as a supplement or added to pre-cooked meals. Cooking with hemp seed oil (especially deep frying) is not recommended.
How much hemp seed oil should I use?
Unless otherwise directed by a physician, 10-15ml per day in food adds good nutritional value.
Does hemp seed oil calm cats?
HSO helps stimulate the appetite in cats, promotes a healthy coat and skin, and relaxes your cat for everyday business.
Does hemp seed oil help dogs?
HSO helps stimulate the appetite in dogs, promotes a healthy coat and skin, and relaxes your cat for everyday business. Alternatively, it may also be used to calm muscles and joints providing relief from pain and inflammation.
Can I put hemp oil on my dog's skin?
Hemp seed oil can be applied directly to dog skin for sores, dry patches, lesions, and other skin issues. HSO excellently soothes itchy and irritated skin and provides relief from muscular pain.
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