Hemp is all the rage in 2018, but did you know that people have been using hemp for thousands of years? 10,000 years to be precise after archaeologists discovered a hemp pottery piece in what is known as modern-day Taiwan. You can use hemp plants to create fiber, as an alternative to wood for lumber, use it as an ingredient in foods, and create CBD oil.
Whoa! That’s a lot! You could write an entire book on everything hemp can do. So instead, let’s just focus on one thing it creates, shall we? So here’s why you should get hip with hemp oil.
Table of Contents
1. Going Veggie: The Vegetarian’s Superfood
It feels appropriate to start with our green friends first. Hemp is a fantastic source of protein, and I can honestly say that hemp protein powder is a great and much-needed alternative to whey protein.
As well, you’ll see throughout this article that hemp is all about having a harmonious balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This lovely 3-1 ratio is truly great for everyone, but especially for those that don’t eat fish or take a fish oil supplement.
2. Helps Maintain Hormonal Balance
Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is one of the omega-6 fatty acids that I mentioned above. When you hear about omega fatty acids, you always hear about their association with reducing inflammation, and while this is completely true, they can do a lot more than just that.
When GLA is metabolized in the liver, it is used to produce prostaglandin PGE1 — the body will use this hormone-like substance to re-balance the hormonal system. This is truly wonderful news for women going through menopause, and studies have shown that supplementation of two grams significantly improved PMS symptoms.
3. Lowering Cholesterol and Risk of Heart Disease
Studies have shown that hemp’s 3-1 fatty acid ratio is fantastic for reducing the risk of heart disease. In one study from 2011, hemp seed oil significantly limited the absorption of dietary cholesterol. As well, hemp oil will provide a boost to your metabolism, which has been shown significantly to lower cholesterol.
4. Hemp Oil as a Carrier Oil
Let’s take a quick break from the ways hemp can directly improve your health and instead talk about how we can use hemp oil in combination with its brother CBD oil. CBD oil is getting an incredible amount of attention lately for helping people with a host of illnesses. Seriously, if you haven’t check out CBD oil, you have to right now.
Now, did you know that CBD oil and hemp oil can come from the same plant just different parts? CBD oil comes from the flowers and stalks while hemp oil comes from cold pressing the seeds.
What’s great is CBD oil needs a carrier oil to improve its bioavailability and stability, and hemp oil is the perfect candidate compared to coconut and other MCT oils. Hemp oil can be in all CBD products from CBD oil to pet CBD treats, so always look for it in those products before you buy them.
5. The Complexion of a God
The fatty acid composition of hemp oil is remarkably similar to the lipids in our own skin. This makes hemp a fantastic natural and healthy product for giving you the skin of Aphrodite.
- Hemp oil can help soften and moisturize dry skin
- Re-balance oily skin and won’t clog pores
- Stifle breakouts and soothe irritated skin
- Bring back a youthful appearance by reducing wrinkles
6. With the Mane of Lion
Hemp’s combination of fatty acids, proteins, and other vital nutrients makes it wonderful for your hair in three big ways.
First, we already talked about how hemp oil can moisturize your skin, and your scalp is no different. Not only will hemp oil moisturize your scalp but it will also revive your dry hair. After that, hemp oil will stimulate hair growth with its famously rich fatty acid profile. Last, hemp will strengthen your hair, reverting it back to its natural texture while preventing further breakage.
7. Enter Into the World of Weight Lost
Check out all the fantastic ways hemp can help you lose weight.
- Gamma Linoleic Acid — Research has shown that supplementation of GLA contributes to weight loss.
- Lower Calories — Hemp has fewer calories than many other fatty oils, especially coconut oil which is load with saturated fat.
- Provides Fiber — We all could do with more fiber in our lives as it prevents spikes in blood sugar. As well, it will kick your digestive system into gear.
- Boosting Metabolism — It takes work to digest protein and fiber, and this means your body has to work harder. This translates into you burning more calories, all without having to pick up a dumbbell.
8. Diabetes
Gamma-linolenic acids are back one last time. And this time they want to help erase diabetic neuropathy pain and lower inflammation (a hallmark of diabetes). As well, you saw above that hemp oil doesn’t spike blood sugar levels like many foods low in fiber or with high amounts of sugar. Hemp products, including both hempseed oil and CBD oil, have both been shown to help diabetics manage their diabetes.
The Future of Hemp
So where does hemp oil go from here? Most likely into our medicine cabinets, pantries, and refrigerators — and that’s just the start. It’s incredible to see everything just one plant can do and how it has and will continue to benefit us medical, economically, and environmentally. That’s why we believe in hemp at Vitaleaf Naturals and are excited to see to improve our lives in so many ways.
