What are the properties of hemp seed oil?

Hemp oil is a vegetable oil very rich in unsaturated fatty acids and boasts important properties: immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidants which are still being examined by the scientific community today. Specifically, hemp seed oil has a large amount of alpha-linolenic acid, a ω-3 fatty acid, comparable to that found in flaxseed oil and fish oil.

The quantity of ω-3 fats supplied by this oil compared to that of ω-6 fats is acceptable (3:1) if we consider that most vegetable oils tend towards the latter. Many scientific studies show that an excessive intake of ω-6 in the diet, compared to ω-3, increases the possibility of manifestation of some inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular risks.

Therefore, it is always recommended to balance the content of these two fats by varying the diet and increasing the sources of ω-3 fats by choosing from those in which it is more present or by resorting to specific  food supplements . Hemp seed oil also contains many amino acids and vitamins such as vitamin A , vitamin E and a good source of vitamin B1 , vitamin B2 and vitamin C .

The qualitative study conducted on hemp oil has demonstrated the presence of cannabinoids inside it and in particular cannabidiol which seems to perform important functions of strengthening the immune defenses. While, the amazing component of Cannabis , tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ) is present in infinitesimal percentages in hemp seed oil , so much so that to manifest psychotropic effects it is necessary to take almost 9 liters of hemp oil a day. For this reason, the use of hemp oil is safe from this point of view.

How to take hemp oil ? A healthy consumption of hemp oil involves taking 3 tablespoons a day and must be consumed strictly raw. In fact, hemp oil has a very low smoke point and for this reason it cannot be used for prolonged cooking or frying.

If the smoke point is exceeded during frying, carcinogenic substances such as acrolein are formed and this applies to all oils, not just hemp. The properties attributed to the use of hemp oil are many and many are still the subject of discussion within the scientific community regarding their effective validity.

Hemp seed oil may be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, osteoarthritis and muscle pain, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. It is used in case of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, asthma, tracheitis, sinusitis, contact dermatitis, cold sores , sunburn. It is used as a hepatic and gastrointestinal protector and seems to be an excellent remedy for reducing the disorders associated with premenstrual syndrome and climacteric.

Does hemp oil have contraindications?

Hemp seed oil is a food that can be consumed by anyone, except those people who can show a specific hypersensitivity reaction to one or more substances present in it.

As for the presence of the active psychotropic constituent, THC , there is absolutely no need to worry because the quantity present is really very low to create addiction problems or cause psychotropic effects.

However, it should be borne in mind that taking hemp oil could distort anti-doping and anti-drug controls because these tests are very sensitive even to the smallest concentrations present. Therefore, if you practice sports at a competitive level, it is good to have an appropriate medical prescription available that justifies its use.