Discover the 12 Surprising Benefits of Hemp Seed Oil

Hemp seed oil is extracted from the hemp plant’s seeds, which is the name given to cannabis plants with little to no THC. The seeds are cold-pressed to produce one of the most diverse and nutritionally strong oils available. These seeds are from the hemp plant, and they will not produce the controversial substance from the cannabis that can make you high. Hemp seed oil is growing in popularity because it provides a long list of health benefits that have been confirmed through an ongoing body of research.

While hemp seeds may not possess the same quantity of phytochemicals as the entire plant, they exhibit a rich composition of fatty acids, nutrients, and beneficial bioactive vitamins and minerals. The oil is well-known for being nutrient-rich and for its general health benefits and comprises healthy fatty acids, protein, and carbohydrates. The many positive health effects of hemp seed oil are linked to the 3:1 ratio of linoleic (LA) and a-linolenic acid (LNA), two essential polyunsaturated fatty acids that particularly benefit the heart.

Below are some of the health benefits.

1. Hormone Balance

Hemp seed oil is rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), a crucial compound for synthesizing prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that play a vital role in various bodily functions. Research indicates that GLA supplementation may enhance hormone health and alleviate symptoms related to Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), such as menstrual cramps. Anecdotal evidence, although not backed by scientific research, suggests that hemp seed oil may help reduce symptoms like breast tenderness, swelling, and feelings of irritability and depression.

Furthermore, hemp seed oil may also promote hormone health in menopausal women, potentially easing symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, and depression. Studies [1] have demonstrated that GLA supplementation does not lead to any adverse side effects.

2. Promotes Heart Health

hemp seed oil Promotes Heart Health

Hemp seed oil improves heart health through several mechanisms.

It contains significant levels of essential fatty acids omega-6 and omega-3 in a 3:1 ratio, which is considered optimal for our health. These essential fatty acids, along with their β-sitosterols content, help lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby preventing heart disease. The oil is also a good source of Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) and is rich in the enzyme lipase, which aids in the non-invasive removal of plaque build-up from blood vessels and cell membranes. 

This promotes heart health and prevents heart disease. The presence of the amino acid arginine aids in the production of nitric acid, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure and preventing heart disease.

Lastly, the GLA in hemp seed oil is known to reduce inflammation, which prevents heart disease that is usually caused by inflammation.

3. Assists in Weight Loss

hemp seed oil Assists in Weight Loss

The GLA found in hemp seeds can curb sugar cravings and act as a natural appetite suppressant, aiding in weight loss by reducing calorie intake.

Since hemp seed oil is rich in GLA, which reduces weight by preventing the regaining of weight, one study [2] found that formerly obese individuals taking GLA supplements for a year gained back less weight. It is possible that omega-3s in hemp seed oil also enhance weight loss, but this still needs to be studied.

4. Moisturizes and Alleviates Skin Conditions

Hemp seed oil, characterized by its excellent moisturizing properties, is readily absorbed by the skin and significantly enhances the skin’s barrier function, thereby preventing moisture loss. 

Its rich content of nutrients, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants makes it an optimal carrier oil for massage and therapeutic treatments, leading to an improvement in skin appearance over time. It strengthens the skin and enhances its resistance to viral, fungal, and bacterial infections.

5. Boosts the Immune System

The essential fatty acids present in hemp seed oil are indispensable for the body’s synthesis of endocannabinoids, which play a crucial role in bolstering the immune system. This makes hemp seed oil a beneficial supplement for enhancing immunity.

6. Powerful Anti-inflammatory; Eases Arthritic Pain

The gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) found in hemp seed oil is known for its ability to fight- inflammation. This is good news for people who have arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. For example, people with multiple sclerosis (a chronic inflammatory disorder) who participated in a study [3] were given hemp seed oil and evening primrose oil, and their symptoms improved. Scientific conjecture suggests potential utility of hemp seed oil in the treatment of fibromyalgia.

7. Pain Relief

Hemp seed oil is often used as a natural pain reliever, reducing pain when ingested or applied topically. Coupled with its anti-inflammatory properties, it emerges as a valuable resource for managing injuries, infections, or autoimmune disorders that result in pain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that hemp seed oil is a gentle pain-relieving massage oil that can be applied to muscles post-workout or to sore joints. It offers hope for those seeking non-allopathic remedies for chronic pain.

8. Improves Brain Function 

Hemp seed oil Improves Brain Function 

Hemp seed oil contains low levels of cannabinoids that have been found by research to ease anxiety in people who have a social anxiety disorder. It is highly probable that the oil can reduce the symptoms of depression as well. The essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, are already known to improve memory and prevent age-related brain function decline.

A review [4] of several studies suggests that CBD and other compounds in hemp seed oil possibly work in a way that protects the brain and the nervous system. It can relieve or prevent Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, ADHD, and childhood seizure disorders.

9. Beneficial for Pregnancy 

Because of the omega-3 fatty acids, hemp seed oil is an excellent supplement for pregnant mothers. One American study [5] found that adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids is crucial during pregnancy since it is one of the building blocks for developing the fetus’ brain and retina. It also helps prevent perinatal depression and preterm delivery and promotes easier birth and lifelong health.

10. Diabetes Prevention and Treatment

Diabetes is connected to an unbalanced intake of essential fatty acids. As hemp seed oil is rich in essential fatty acids, it has a high potential for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

11. Enhances Digestive Health

Research on the effectiveness of hemp seed oil for digestive health is not available. However, in the omega-3 essential fatty acid, the DHA and EPA are known to synthesize compounds called eicosanoids that regulate the secretion of hormones and digestive juices. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and may relieve some digestive tract problems such as inflammatory bowel disorder.

Finally, the fatty acids in hemp seed oil promote the proliferation of beneficial microbes within the gut flora, thereby enhancing digestion and immune function. In all these ways, hemp seed oil helps to improve overall digestive health [6].

12. Enhance Hair Growth

In this manner, hemp seed oil contributes to overall digestive health. Furthermore, the essential fatty acids in hemp seed oil are known to impart moisture and shine to hair, stimulate hair growth, fortify brittle hair strands, and promote hair thickness. Anecdotal evidence suggests that topical application of the oil may alleviate various scalp conditions, including dryness, itchiness, and dandruff, and may potentially treat scalp psoriasis.

[1] Wu CC, Huang MY, Kapoor R, Chen CH, Huang YS. Metabolism of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in women with dysmenorrhea. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:216-9. PMID: 18296341.

[2] Schirmer MA, Phinney SD. Gamma-linolenate reduces weight regain in formerly obese humans. J Nutr. 2007 Jun;137(6):1430-5. doi: 10.1093/jn/137.6.1430. PMID: 17513402.

[3] Ghasemian M, Owlia S, Owlia MB. Review of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Medicines. Adv Pharmacol Sci. 2016;2016:9130979. doi: 10.1155/2016/9130979. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27247570; PMCID: PMC4877453.

[4] Maroon J, Bost J. Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surg Neurol Int. 2018 Apr 26;9:91. doi: 10.4103/sni.sni_45_18. PMID: 29770251; PMCID: PMC5938896.

[5] Coletta JM, Bell SJ, Roman AS. Omega-3 Fatty acids and pregnancy. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Fall;3(4):163-71. PMID: 21364848; PMCID: PMC3046737.

[6] Saini RK, Keum YS. Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids: Dietary sources, metabolism, and significance – A review. Life Sci. 2018 Jun 15;203:255-267. doi: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.049. Epub 2018 Apr 30. PMID: 29715470.