What is Hemp Oil?
Hemp oil is manufactured from the plant known as Cannabis Sativa, and while some people believe hemp oil to have psychoactive effects, it actually contains very trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Hemp oil is cold pressed from the hemp seed, and the manufacturing process cleans the hemp seed to 99.99% before pressing. Therefore, THC is not likely to show up in urine samples or have any altering effects on the body.
Hemp oil is pressed from hemp seeds and used in a variety of capacities. Hemp oil in its natural state is high in essential fatty acids (EFA), vitamins and antioxidants. Refined hemp oil, however, lacks these nutrients and is generally colorless and odorless. Hemp oil in its organic, unrefined form is nutty to the taste and used in many recipes due to its pleasant flavor. Refined hemp oil is typically used primarily for lubricants, paints, and in ink and detergent. It is also used in shampoos, conditioners and soaps which benefit from the oil’s high content of vitamin E.
Because of its high values of fatty acids such as Omega-6 and Omega-3, hemp oil is a favorable oil to use in baking. While hemp oil does not make for a good frying oil (due to its low smoke point), it works very well in breads, waffles, pastries, cakes and brownies. Hemp oil has a very impressive 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 EFA. (Most foods have a 10:1 ratio.) Omegas are very important to the natural health of the body. They reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, bipolar disorders and more.
Hemp seed has been proven to be more nutritious than flax seed oil, and is able to be used in many more ways. With its essential fatty acid content and its high protein level, more and more people are looking to hemp oil to solve their dietary needs.
Hemp oil has also become a favorable oil to use in the production of biodiesel. Those interested in alternative fuels may be interested to know that hemp oil can contribute to keeping the environment clean and green! This is yet another example of how using the hemp plant for all its wonderful gifts can be good for not only the body but the earth. Environmental activists are seeking out hemp oil now to create alternative ways to fuel our lives – both inside and out.
Hemp seed oil has a shelf life of six months to one year. Because it is unsaturated it does not keep as long as other oils and needs to be stored properly in a cool, dark place. It is recommended that hemp oil be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life.
While organic hemp seed oil is primarily used as a dietary supplement, it has been shown to improve the conditions of the skin and aid in problems such as eczema. There are few plants on the earth that can boast the benefits of the hemp plant, which is why hemp oil is slowly rising in popularity around the world.
