Hemp oil is 75-80% essential fatty acids. The essential fatty acids (EFAs) contained in hemp seed oil offer multiple benefits and are required in your diet more than any other vitamin, yet your body does not naturally produce them, therefore, they must be obtained from external sources in the food you eat or supplements you take.
Hemp Seed Oil & EFA Health Benefits
North Americans have a high dietary deficiency in EFAs due to our high intake of animal fats versus plant fats, caused by our high consumption of processed foods and meats versus natural organic foods. Essential fatty acids have been used to support:
- Eczema & psoriasis
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- Menopause and PMS
- Improve hair and skin
- Prevent blood clots
- Improve memory
- Regulate hormone levels
Understanding Hemp Seed Oil Products & Supplements
Hemp seed oil contains a 3:1 ratio of omega 6 (linoleic/ LA) to omega 3 (alpha-linolenic/ ALA) essential fatty acids, determined to be the optimum requirement for long-term healthy human nutrition.
In addition, it also contains smaller amounts of 3 other polyunsaturated fatty acids gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), oleic acid and stearidonic acid. This EFA combination is unique among edible oil seeds.
Hemp seed oil offers many health benefits because it also provides an adequate supply of vitamin E, carotene, phytosterols, phospholipids and a number of minerals including calcium, magnesium, sulphur, potassium, and phosphorus, along with modest amounts of iron and zinc.
Key Tips When Using Hemp Oil Supplements
Ensure your hemp seed oil supplement is not processed with heat because it damages the acids and creates free radicals. Some of the damaged fats turn into trans-fatty acids, which are well known for their promotion of cardiovascular disease. Refrigerate all liquid hemp seed oil supplements and keep capsules away from heat because they can become rancid. Using liquid hemp seed oil is more cost-effective than capsules because numerous capsules must be taken to make an equivalent amount of liquid oil. Do not use hemp seed oil for cooking or frying.
Potential Side Effects of Hemp Oil
Although rare, hemp seed oil may cause sleepiness, bloodshot eyes, and liver problems in children. While hemp is extracted from a different plant than marijuana, it does belong to the cannabis family; therefore, if you have a cannabis allergy, you might also have an allergic reaction to hemp. Use hemp with caution if you are allergic to cannabis. If you have surgery scheduled, note that hemp protein might lower blood pressure.
