Hemp extract is an oil produced from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L). Hemp seed oil does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana.
Hemp seed oil can help moisturize skin without clogging pores, as well as balance dry skin by controlling its oil production, fighting acne inflammation and fighting acne scarring.
1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Hemp extract contains linoleic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid. This helps reduce inflammation in the body while also helping balance oily skin and acne by hydrating it and regulating oil production. Furthermore, hemp contains gamma linolenic acid (GLA), an anti-inflammatory which promotes healthy cell growth.
Hemp seed oil contains an optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, making it suitable for almost all skin types. It has long been used to treat conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and itchy skin conditions while strengthening and protecting it against viral, bacterial and fungal infections – also helping with wrinkles and fine lines.
2. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Hemp seed oil is packed with heart-healthy fats like polyunsaturates and omega-3 fatty acids, while hempseed contains significant quantities of omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acids that may help lower cholesterol and prevent arrhythmias. Furthermore, hempseed contains an amino acid known as arginine that converts into nitric oxide that promotes healthy blood vessels and arteries.
Hemp seeds contain an ideal 3-to-1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, considered an ideal and healthful balance in diet. A 2005 study also discovered that those with eczema who consumed hempseed oil experienced reduced skin dryness and itchy sensation as well as less need for medications.
Hemp seeds provide all nine essential amino acids needed by your body for protein synthesis, in addition to providing minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and phosphorus as well as B and C vitamins.
3. Rich in Cannabinoids
Hemp extract contains an abundance of phytocannabinoids, with CBD (Cannabidiol) being one of the best-studied and understood cannabinoids. Furthermore, hemp extract also boasts rich concentrations of terpenes and secondary phytocannabinoids that give this extract its unique properties.
Cannabis contains many phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and aromatic hydrocarbons like cineole that work synergistically with phytocannabinoids like CBD to create what’s known as an “entourage effect.”
Study results on rats showed that oral CBD-rich hemp extract significantly limited stress-induced increases in plasma corticosterone and blood glucose, as well as decreasing spleen weight (a surrogate for sympathetic nervous system activation).1 These effects were likely mediated through modulation of cytokine and amino acid pathways.1
4. Rich in Fiber
Hemp seeds contain high concentrations of soluble fiber that helps people maintain a healthy weight, as well as insoluble fiber which supports digestive health. Hemp seed soluble fiber may also aid with conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Hemp seed oil contains essential omega fatty acids to provide essential nutrition to the body. They may support cardiovascular health and help balance out the ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 fats within our bodies.
Hemp protein concentrate (HPC) and isolate (HPI) are produced by extracting proteins from hulled seeds. HPC is more purified than HPM and can achieve up to 99.5% protein purity on dry matter basis [172]. Hemp seed protein contains the amino acid edestin which has low oxidative stability – making it ideal for bakery products such as chocolate croissants.
5. Rich in Antioxidants
Hemp seed oil is packed with antioxidants that may help to protect against diseases caused by oxidative stress. Antioxidants in hemp seed oil include g-tocopherol and chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, hemp seed oil also boasts many vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin E as well as essential fatty acids that support overall wellness.
Studies have demonstrated that hemp seeds are a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly those present in their hulls6, which remain as by-products after oil extraction. Furthermore, hemp seeds provide an economical and sustainable raw material source for extracting these bioactive substances.
Authors used a mixture design approach to optimize the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of defatted hemp seed hulls, finding that extracts obtained with 50% aqueous acetone had superior activity in all antioxidant tests conducted, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), FRAP and CUPRAC.
