Hemp extract can be found in numerous products, from body lotions to sleep aids. Hemp oil may help ease sore muscles and promote restful restful sleep; however, several things should be kept in mind before taking this supplement.
Hemp seed oil is derived from cannabis sativa (marijuana) seeds, producing an oil with an earthy, nutty aroma and flavor.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are a class of compounds present in cannabis that interact with receptors to help manage mood and pain, while providing antiemetic benefits that could even outdo those of pharmaceutical drugs like Prochlorperazine in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
Liquid solvent extraction involves macerating plant material in either polar or non-polar organic solvents to isolate cannabinoids from surrounding plant material and separate them out, using multiple extraction steps at gradually increasing temperatures to maximize cannabinoid yield while simultaneously limiting co-extraction of unwanted compounds.
Vegetable oils or lipids may be an attractive alternative to toxic hydrocarbon solvents for supercritical CO2 extraction processes (Patel et al., 2017). A popular trend today involves using vegetable oils like coconut, canola, peanut, sunflower, olive or walnut oils combined with an adsorbent such as zeolitic molecular sieves or diatomaceous earth to effectively remove chlorophylls and other impurities from an extract.
Fatty acids
Hemp seed oil contains an abundance of polyunsaturates and an effective balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids that may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, making this an invaluable component in supporting cardiovascular wellbeing.
Fatty acids are carboxylic acids that form the structural elements of lipids. They often feature an even number of carbon atoms and an unbranched chain structure, and can be classified as saturated, monounsaturated or polyunsaturated depending on whether they contain carbon-to-carbon double bonds.
Hemp seed oil contains essential fatty acids that are essential to heart health, vitamins and minerals that support skin health, reduce inflammation and help combat free radical damage, as well as various antioxidants to protect against it.
Vitamins
Vitamins are an integral component of our bodies, helping convert food to energy and build new cells while also offering protection from damage to existing ones.
Vitamin A is vital for eye health and may help to protect against night blindness (nyctalopia). Hemp seed oil provides an excellent source of this nutrient.
Hemp extract is a concentrated blend of phytocannabinoids, fatty acids, plant sterols and flavonoids which work in concert to increase the effects of cannabidiols – known as cannabinoids – creating what’s known as an entourage effect. When selecting your product with full spectrum hemp oil and low THC levels be mindful to check any interactions with other medications, particularly seizure medication which could increase risk or lessen effectiveness of treatments.
Minerals
Hemp extract contains numerous compounds such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Diluting hemp extract with carrier oils makes taking it simpler, and also allows different strengths to be created.
Minerals are natural solid substances with defined chemical and physical compositions and highly organized structures, formed through geological processes or synthesized by living organisms (such as stishovite).
Hemp seed oil contains omega-six and omega-three fatty acids that can help decrease inflammation. Over time, inflammation can lead to diseases and decrease cell efficiency, while Hemp extract has antimicrobial properties which kill microorganisms1.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body and their harmful effects, as well as help prevent or slow chronic illnesses like cardiovascular disease and cancers caused by damaged DNA in cells.
Free radicals are produced during many chemical reactions in your body and over time can damage cells and DNA, increasing your risk for health complications and creating irreparable harm to health.
Some vitamins and minerals serve as natural antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium. Food sources also contain plenty of antioxidants like tocotrienols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, phytoestrogens and dietary carotenoids; certain compounds, like Lycopene in tomatoes, become more bio-available when cooked making them easier for our bodies to absorb; vibrant colored foods typically contain higher concentrations of antioxidants than their less colorful counterparts.
