Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. The oil is loaded with polyunsaturated fatty acids and is considered to be highly beneficial for the skin and heart. Hemp seed oil is also suggested to be helpful in promoting immune function and brain health. 

Some people confuse hemp seed oil with cannabidiol (CBD) oil. However, the two are not the same. While CBD oil is extracted from the flowers, stem and leaves of the cannabis plant, hemp seed oil comes from the seeds of the plant. Also, some say that CBD oil has a higher THC content than hemp seed oil, though a study done in Canada suggested that hemp seed oil may contain high levels of THC. So, the claim seems to be a bit controversial as of now.

THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol is the main psychoactive substance in cannabis. That said, hemp overall is supposed to have lower amounts of THC compared with marijuana.

Read on to know more about hemp seed oil.

  1. Hemp seed oil nutrition facts
  2. Hemp seed oil health benefits
  3. Hemp seed oil side effects
Doctors for Hemp seed oil

Hemp seeds are actually nuts, which contain about 30% oil and 25% protein along with some minerals, vitamins and dietary fibre

The oil obtained from hemp seeds contains mostly polyunsaturated fats (about 80%). It is especially rich in linoleic acid (an omega-6 fat) and alpha-linoleic acid (an omega-3 fat). In fact, the omega-3/omega-6 fat content of hemp seed oil is in the perfect ratio needed for maintaining health. The oil also contains all the important amino acids, especially arginine that is considered to be good for cardiovascular health. Additionally, it has terpenes and cannabinoids.  

The oil has low oxidation temperature and hence cannot be used in processed foods or those with a long shelf life.

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There isn’t much scientific evidence when it comes to the health benefits of hemp seed oil. Most benefits are anecdotal at best or have some studies to back them. Nonetheless, here is a list of health benefits associated with using hemp seed oil:

Hemp seed oil for skin

According to a study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Review, hemp seed oil can strengthen the skin barrier and prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections. It also helps in the management of skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema, lichen planus and acne rosacea.

A randomized controlled trial done on 20 people found that dietary intake of hemp seed oil can improve itchiness and skin dryness associated with atopic dermatitis. The effect was attributed to the balanced intake of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. 

Hemp seed oil contains some amount of cannabidiol. A lab study done in Hungary indicated that the cannabidiol can help manage acne by reducing sebum production and inflammation.

Hemp seed oil is also said to be beneficial for moisturising skin and reducing ageing signs including wrinkles. Though more studies are needed to confirm these effects of the oil.

Hemp seed oil for heart

Hemp seed oil is said to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. However, there isn't much evidence to back these claims.

The oil does contain an amino acid called arginine, a precursor of nitric acid which is essential for maintaing homeostasis, blood pressure and strong blood vessels. However, researchers haven’t found evidence of any significant effects of hemp seed oil consumption on any of these factors. One study found improvement in blood cholesterol level and reduction in coronary artery disease on taking hemp seed oil supplements. 

More studies are needed to understand the effects of hemp seed oil on cardiovascular health. 

Read more: Best cardio exercises for heart health

Hemp seed oil for arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition characterised by swelling and joint pain. Arthritis patients on the lookout for alternate remedies to manage the pain sometimes use hemp seed oil. 

Now, animal studies suggest that the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of hemp seed oil cannabidiols may be helpful in the management of arthritis symptoms.

However, if you are thinking of using hemp seed oil as a remedy for arthritis, it is best to talk to your doctor first.

Read more: What to eat and what not to eat when you have arthritis

Hemp seed oil for brain health

Hemp seed oil contains good amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially omega-3 fats which are suggested to be helpful in reducing anxiety and depression.

A randomised double-blind trial done on 65 people found that hemp oil supplementation along with primrose oil can help in the management of multiple sclerosis and reduce symptom relapse in patients. 

Hemp seed oil polyphenols are believed to be neuroprotective (protect the nerves). Animal studies show that a compound called phenylproprionamide in hemp seeds has positive effects on memory and cognitive skills. However, more studies are needed to check if hemp seed oil indeed has this effect on cognitive function.

Other benefits of hemp seed oil

The following are some other benefits of hemp seed oil: 

  • The fatty acids that make up hemp seed oil are believed to be helpful in improving immunity
  • A small study indicated that CBD-enriched hemp seed oil may reduce side effects caused due to HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines without showing any side effects
  • Topical application of hemp seed oil is said to be good for improving moisture content in hair and increasing the strength of the hair shaft. 
  • The healthy fats present in hemp seed oil are believed to prevent diabetes and reduce obesity
  • A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Molecules indicates that hemp seed oil has significant antibacterial potential and can suppress the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that causes several minor to major conditions ranging from skin infections to pneumonia.

Hemp seed oil use may have some of the following side effects:

  • Some people get stomach problems from consuming hemp seed oil
  • Due to the presence of cannabidiol, hemp seed oil may interact with certain medicines such as blood thinners. If you take anticoagulants or are about to undergo a surgery, it is best to not take hemp seed oil
  • Not much is known about the effects of hemp seed oil in pregnancy. If you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, don’t take hemp seed oil before consulting your doctor
  • If you have any chronic condition, it is best to talk to your doctor before adding hemp seed oil to your diet
Dr. Harshaprabha Katole

Dr. Harshaprabha Katole

Ayurveda
7 Years of Experience

Dr. Dhruviben C.Patel

Dr. Dhruviben C.Patel

Ayurveda
4 Years of Experience

Dr Prashant Kumar

Dr Prashant Kumar

Ayurveda
2 Years of Experience

Dr Rudra Gosai

Dr Rudra Gosai

Ayurveda
1 Years of Experience

References

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  2. Leonard William, Zhang Pangzhen, Ying Danyang, Fang Zhongxiang. Hempseed in food industry: Nutritional value, health benefits, and industrial applications. Comprehensive reviews in food science and food safety. 2020; 19(1):282-308.
  3. Tabassum Nahida, Hamdani Mariya. Plants used to treat skin diseases. Pharmacogn Rev. 2014 Jan-Jun; 8(15): 52–60. PMID: 24600196.
  4. Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I, Halonen P, Mykkänen O, Hyvönen P, Järvinen T. Efficacy of dietary hempseed oil in patients with atopic dermatitis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2005 Apr;16(2):87-94. PMID: 16019622.
  5. Oláh Attila, et al. Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. J Clin Invest. 2014 Sep 2; 124(9): 3713–3724. PMID: 25061872.
  6. Rodriguez-Leyva Delfin, Pierce Grant N. The cardiac and haemostatic effects of dietary hempseed. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010; 7: 32. PMID: 20409317.
  7. Kiecolt-Glaser Janice K., et al. Omega-3 Supplementation Lowers Inflammation and Anxiety in Medical Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Behav Immun. 2011 Nov; 25(8): 1725–1734. PMID: 21784145.
  8. Zhou Yuefang, et al. Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Seed Phenylpropionamides Composition and Effects on Memory Dysfunction and Biomarkers of Neuroinflammation Induced by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice. ACS Omega. 2018 Nov 30; 3(11): 15988–15995. PMID: 30556022.
  9. Palmieri B, Laurino C, Vadalà M. Short-Term Efficacy of CBD-Enriched Hemp Oil in Girls with Dysautonomic Syndrome after Human Papillomavirus Vaccination. Isr Med Assoc J. 2017 Feb;19(2):79-84. PMID: 28457055.
  10. Grayson Leslie, Vines Brannon, Nichol Kate, Szaflarski Jerzy P. An interaction between warfarin and cannabidiol, a case report. Epilepsy Behav Case Rep. 2018; 9: 10–11. PMID: 29387536.
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