Hemp is one of the oldest plants on the planet. The cultivation of this crop began approximately ten thousand years ago in the territory of modern Taiwan. Even ancient farmers noticed that this grass significantly improves the quality of the soil on which it grows, and its stems have been serving as raw material for durable natural fibers for centuries. Archaeologists have found artifacts confirming the use of hemp cord 8 thousand years ago. At one time, the Chinese grew this grass not only for its fiber, but also as a source of protein, vitamins, essential fatty acids and amino acids. Hemp oil and balms were made from pressed stems and seeds. Many centuries ago, people realized that hemp oil has healing properties. What is known about this product today?
What it is
Hemp oil is a product obtained from hemp. And right away it’s worth saying that theoretically it can be made from all plants of the Cannabis genus, but, as a rule, only industrial plant varieties are used for these purposes. We are talking about varieties of cannabis that do not contain psychoactive substances that affect the nervous system and brain function. Also, do not confuse edible hemp oil with those made from other types of hemp that have narcotic properties. In the second case, they obtain hashish or narcotic cannabis oil, which are dangerous to humans. The raw materials for hemp oil are the seeds of certain types of hemp, with a negligible content or complete absence of psychotropic components.
Content:
- What it is
- Nutritional characteristics
- Benefits for the human body
- Role in the body
- Consumption of hemp product
- Application of hemp fats
- How to choose and store correctly
- Traditional medicine recipes
- Cosmetic recipes
Depending on production and processing methods, different types of hemp oil may differ slightly in appearance and taste. By cold pressing the seeds, a product is obtained that, in its unrefined form, has a green color, herbal taste and a nutty aftertaste. After processing (refined), the oil becomes almost colorless, but retains its characteristic aroma quite well. It is believed that it is more useful to choose unrefined varieties as a food product, and refined ones are better suited for external use and massage.
Description
Hemp oil is a type of vegetable oil obtained from hemp seeds. Hemp oil is produced using two methods common to all vegetable oils: cold or hot pressing.
Hemp oil obtained through cold pressing is considered more valuable, as it contains more beneficial properties, because all vitamins and minerals remain in the oil in its original composition.
Oil obtained through hot pressing does not cause harm to the body - but the benefits of its use are not very great.
Also, hemp oil can be refined or unrefined. Refined oil obtained from purified hemp seeds has a delicate taste and a light nutty aroma. Its color is light green. Unrefined hemp oil, made from unrefined hemp seeds, is darker in color and has a slightly bitter taste.
Nutritional characteristics
The oil contained in hemp seeds consists of 75-80% of the so-called good fats (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and only 9-11% of the composition is saturated fatty acids, which are less desirable in the human diet. It is believed that hemp product is the most unsaturated among other vegetable oils.
Essential fatty acids included in the product are one of the most important components for humans. They are important because at the cellular level they participate in the production of vital energy. By the way, many of us feel deficient in these fatty acids and, on the contrary, receive excessive amounts of animal fats.
In nutrition, hemp oil is known as the most balanced in nature. And all because it contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 substances in proportions useful for humans - 3:1. In addition, the product contains three more important PUFAs: gamma-linolenic, oleic and stearic acids. And I must say, this combination is unique among all edible oilseeds.
Thanks to Omega-3, hemp product is able to prevent inflammation, cognitive decline, it is beneficial for the heart and a healthy metabolism. Omega-6 protects the body from allergies, improves energy production and heart function, and helps the body quickly recuperate.
In addition to Omega substances and other fatty acids, hemp seed oil provides a person with a sufficient amount of antioxidants, including in the form of vitamins A and. In addition to them, the product contains reserves of B vitamins, phospholipids, phytosterols, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorus, chromium, as well as a small amount of iron and zinc. Additionally, unrefined hemp oil is a good source of chlorophyll.
Research has shown that many common human diseases are caused by a lack or imbalance of fatty acid intake. On the contrary, people whose diet contains fatty acids in the right quantities have strong immunity and healthy skin.
Benefits for the human body
Hemp oil offers a number of health benefits. And not least thanks to the rich presence of essential amino acids. If the body lacks these substances, mutations at the cellular level and the development of cancer are possible. However, scientists are still arguing about the anti-cancer properties of hemp oil.
In addition, hemp oil is known for other properties. For example:
- antibacterial;
- antiviral;
- antifungal;
- antioxidant;
- anti-inflammatory;
- regenerative;
- cardioprotective.
This product is useful to use:
- for the treatment of anemia, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, skin diseases;
- to improve the functioning of the cardiac and immune systems;
- to improve lactation;
- for gastric ulcers, enteritis, colitis, cholecystitis, hemorrhoids, cholelithiasis;
- for the treatment of inflammation in the genitourinary system;
- for hypertension;
- to improve arthritis or osteoporosis;
- for tuberculosis;
- for the treatment of renal failure.
Role in the body
Supports hormonal balance
Hemp is the only edible seed containing gamma-linolenic acid. And when it enters the body, it turns into prostaglandin, which regulates hormonal levels in the body.
Good for people with diabetes
Due to its low carbohydrate and sugar content, hemp oil, rich in valuable substances, is extremely beneficial for people with diabetes. In addition, the nutritional components contained in the product help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Boosts immunity
A product rich in Omega substances strengthens the immune system, including by improving intestinal microflora. Increases the body's resistance against microbes.
Protects nerve cells
The essential fatty acids found in this product are essential for maintaining healthy cell membrane structure. Consuming the oil prevents the destruction of the myelin sheath (the membrane that protects nerve cells).
Prevents varicose veins
Like other Omega-3 rich foods, hemp oil can thin the blood, preventing the formation of clots, and thereby protect against the occurrence of varicose veins.
Skin Benefits
Hemp seed oil contains a number of substances that are beneficial for the skin. In particular, fatty acids nourish and moisturize the skin. For this reason, many face and body creams contain hemp oil as a main ingredient. Massage using it makes the skin healthy, tightened, and fresh in color. This product has anti-aging properties, smooths out wrinkles, and moisturizes very dry skin. In addition, hemp oil is useful for eczema, psoriasis, and acne. But it is worth noting that oil is used not only externally to treat skin. Studies have shown that eating the product also relieves symptoms of eczema and other skin problems.
Benefits for hair
Hair also feels the benefits of hemp oil. Many hair care products contain plant-based ingredients, including hemp. This oil improves blood circulation, thereby accelerating hair growth. Washing your hair with shampoos containing this product improves hair structure, maintains scalp health, and treats dandruff. Vegetable oil-based masks are useful for maintaining healthy hair follicles.
Source of Alpha Linolenic Acid
Hemp oil is an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid. This substance is important for the proper functioning of the body. Interestingly, the structure of this fatty acid is very similar to the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil. Therefore, hemp product, like fish, is useful for preventing heart disease, arthritis, and depression. It helps reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) in the body that clogs arteries.
Rich Source of Protein
Hemp oil contains 25% high quality protein. It provides a person with amino acids in almost the same quantities as meat or eggs. Thanks to its special structure, hemp protein is easily digested by the body and quickly absorbed. By the way, this protein is often used to make protein powders for bodybuilders. For this reason, hemp oil is useful to take after training - for faster recovery, accelerated muscle growth and improved tone of the musculoskeletal system. Compared to other oils, hemp oil provides essential proteins and amino acids without adding extra calories.
Improves the functioning of the reproductive system
This product is useful for men and women to improve the functioning of the reproductive system. In particular, the benefits for women include relief from PMS, menopause, and also during pregnancy. For expectant mothers, the oil is useful as a source of vitamins and essential fatty acids, as well as to prevent swelling. For men, the product is important for the prevention of prostate adenoma, cancer, and impotence.
Consumption of hemp product
Many people, when they hear the name “hemp,” immediately think of drug addiction. In fact, industrial varieties of this plant do not contain psychotropic substances that could harm the body. And I must say, every year more and more people realize this and introduce hemp porridge and oil into their diet, which were held in high esteem in Rus'.
Hemp fats are used in cooking and pharmacology in many countries. This product is considered one of the healthiest for humans. However, it is also important to realize that overusing it can cause side effects.
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It is important to know that hemp oil is not suitable for frying. It can only be used in dishes that are not heated above 50 degrees Celsius. At higher temperatures, polyunsaturated fats are broken down into harmful substances. Thus, this product is good to use in salads, to give dishes a special aroma, but not for frying.
Excessive consumption of hemp products can also affect the functioning of the digestive system. For example, there is reason to believe that it causes diarrhea. Although for people with intestinal motility disorders and chronic constipation, this oil can be very useful. In addition, too large portions of fat from hemp seeds can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, and exacerbation of certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This product should not be used before surgery as it contains substances that impair blood clotting.
By the way, the recommended daily intake of hemp oil is from 14 to 28 ml, which corresponds to 1-2 tablespoons of the product.
How to take, select and store correctly
For preventive purposes, all doctors advise taking 1 tablespoon of oil. three times a day half an hour before meals. Externally, the oil is used in masks, creams, and shampoos. The effect will be given by taking 1 tbsp daily. oil half an hour before your morning meal.
The product is produced by cold pressing and in an oak tub. At this time, the seed retains all its beneficial characteristics.
Note! When purchasing, pay attention to the color of the oil, especially unrefined oil. A quality product has a pleasant smell and taste. It is necessary that the hemp oil is in a dark glass container.
Validity period is one year. After opening a glass bottle, the oil can be stored in a cool place for up to six months, provided that the container is well closed.
So far, hemp oil is not sold in all food markets. Natural hemp oil is available in online pharmacies and stores. If there is any doubt about the quality, they require a certificate and other documents from the seller indicating the benefits of hemp oil.
Application of hemp fats
One of the classic uses of hemp oil is in the production of cosmetics. This product is often an ingredient in soaps, shower gels, and skin care products. Hemp oil is often combined with other oily bases to create skin care products for dry skin. This hemp product improves blood circulation and nourishes the skin with beneficial substances, so it is often used as a massage product. In industry, this product is used to make paints, and also as biofuel - an environmentally friendly alternative to oil.
Traditional medicine recipes
And if today most of us know very little about the beneficial properties of hemp oil, then our great-grandmothers actively used it for treatment.
To strengthen the body's protective abilities, herbalists advised drinking a tablespoon of oil on an empty stomach. It was used to prevent spring vitamin deficiency. To do this, traditional healers advised drinking a teaspoon of oil three times a day.
A mixture of hemp oil and egg whites, taken in equal proportions, can heal burns. This natural medicine has an analgesic effect and reduces inflammation. And seed oil and starch mixed in equal parts are useful to apply to the sites of abscesses.
Consumer Reviews
- “It does not contain narcotic components, which means you don’t have to worry about your clarity of consciousness. The oil has a suspiciously green color, but it turns out that this is its natural shade. True, it smears clothes and beds if you spread it on the skin at night. The taste is quite disgusting and there is no desire to use it in salads. But for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, very much so. I drink it like a tasteless medicine, and immediately eat something. Ugh! But the effect is worth it! My allergic rashes on my skin completely disappeared, it became smooth and pleasant. It’s a pity that it doesn’t have a cumulative effect; as soon as I stop drinking the oil, everything immediately returns to normal. By the way, scars and scars also become softer. But my weight is at the same level, but I don’t follow any diet and I don’t play sports either.”
- “I bought the oil specifically to compensate for the lack of Omega-3 in the body. The color is poisonous and unattractive, but the taste is completely fine. I also add fresh vegetable salad to porridge. Literally a teaspoon a day, and I forgot about my rapid heartbeat. I hope that the level of bad cholesterol has also decreased, as promised in the instructions. Wait and see".
- “Drink hemp oil and you will be kind and cheerful! Just don’t think anything like that about drugs, they aren’t there. But it has a lot of useful properties. I have a problem child who has suffered from seizures since infancy. I started adding oil to my porridge and to my salad. As a result, the seizures disappeared, my immunity increased, all tests were normal, and I feel great, because healthy children mean healthy mothers.”
- “I use it exclusively for cosmetic purposes. I have always suffered from dry skin, but after three massages with hemp oil, it was saturated with moisture and became silky and smooth. I am delighted! I will continue to use it, although it is not cheap. The only negative is the permanent staining of clothes if you accidentally drip.”
- “I’ve been drinking oil for a month now. Digestion was normalized, otherwise there were constant fluctuations - either disorders or constipation. Yes, and the pain was excruciating. Now everything is normal. But the oil is not cheap, and the bottle is small – 100 g.”
Cosmetic recipes
Facial mask
Take hemp oil, sour cream, and oatmeal in equal proportions. If the mask is intended for dry or normal skin, add egg yolk to the mixture, if for oily skin, add egg white. Mix thoroughly, bring to body temperature and apply to facial skin for 15-20 minutes. If you use the mask at least once a week, you can get rid of dryness and flaking, refresh your face and even out its tone.
Hair Mask
Mix a tablespoon of carrot juice and honey, 2 tablespoons of hemp oil and 2-3 drops of lavender oil. Apply the resulting mixture to your hair, wrap it with cling film and insulate it with a terry towel. After 2 hours, your hair can be washed. This product is useful for damaged hair, dandruff, and for activating hair follicles.
Mask against baldness
The basis of this product is hemp oil, which you will need about 5 tablespoons (the amount depends on the length of the hair). Add 2-3 drops of essential oils of rosewood, chamomile and coriander to the base. Massage the oil mixture into the scalp. Insulate with a towel and rinse after 2 hours.
Hemp was outlawed in all republics of the USSR in 1961. And all its varieties. And only recently, researchers recalled that not all types of plants from the cannabis genus are undesirable. So it turns out that many of us have to get acquainted with hemp oil again - a product that in Rus' was considered one of the most useful.
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Hemp oil for weight loss
Everyone knows that flax seeds and oil based on them are very useful for weight loss. But it turns out that hemp oil is superior to it in properties and benefits. Getting rid of obesity is much easier with it!
It helps normalize digestion, eliminates constipation and swelling. And with proper digestive processes, metabolism automatically accelerates. Thus, with regular use of the product, excretory processes will be stabilized, and the formation of fat deposits will also be reduced.
Just don't think that you will immediately start losing pounds. Oil only activates the processes, and then everything depends on you. Basically, all that’s left is to limit yourself to fast carbohydrates, go in for sports and start eating right. Weak? That's it!
And don’t forget that there should be moderation in everything. A tablespoon of hemp oil is equal to 152.8 kcal, so consider - is it a lot or a little? What if you drink two in a day? So counting calories is simply necessary.
When losing weight, the oil can be used not only internally, but also externally. It’s better to combine these two processes. It is simply irreplaceable for wraps, massages and rubbing. The skin becomes more elastic, moisturized and nourished, and this is very useful in getting rid of cellulite.
