Health Benefits of Hemp Oil

Hemp oil has long been recognised as one of the most versatile and beneficial substances known to man. Derived from hemp seeds (a member of the achene family of fruits) it has been regarded as a superfood due to its high essential fatty acid content and the unique ratio of omega3 to omega6 and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) - 2:5:1.

It is this ratio that is believed to be optimal in terms of improving skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.

It has been reported that those using hemp oil as a supplement begin to experience noticably softer skin, stronger nails and thicker, smoother hair after only a few weeks.

The oil is approximately 57% linoleic (LA) and 19% linolenic (LNA) acids, the EFAs known as omega6 and omega3 respectively. EFAs are the building blocks of the fatty acids known as eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are of course associated with the health benefits as noted above, alongside their benefits to almost every cell in the body and are widely accepted as beneficial in warding off and treating degenerative diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Hemp oil is also the only food oil that contains not only omega3, omega6, but also GLA. This GLA content means that hemp is a rival to Evening Primrose Oil as well as flazx seed oil, as GLA is the main EFA that is believed to relieve symptoms of pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

Hemp oil is also ideal for those who are concerned about taking fish supplements due to the reported contamination of fish with mercury and other toxins. This is particularly prevalent for pregnant women and nursing mothers who are looking to reduce their fish intake but still maintain a desired level of EFAs.

Hemp Seeds

EFAs can also be obtained from eating hemp seeds. These seeds also pack a significant protein punch, which rivals that of soy. Hemp seeds contain many essential amino acids, have high fibre content and are also rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin C and chlorophyll.

The added benefit of hemp seeds is that there has been no known genetic modification of hemp plants, unlike with other sources of protein and antioxidants.

Hemp also grows in such a way that no pesticides or chemicals are required to grow the crops. The growing of hemp plants creates almost zero waste and the byproducts of these crops are also useful in other commercial applications.

Hemp Oil Preparation

As with all essential fatty acids, hemp oil must not be heated or fried and it is very succeptable to heat and light. The oil is extracted from the seed by a slowly rotating press. The pressure from this press squeezes the oil from the seed and leaves only the remaining 'seed-cake'. This is always done in an oxygen-free environment, as exposure to oxygen can rapidly depreciate the quality of the oil.

Always ensure that your oils are prepared in such a way (i.e. without excessive heat, light and oxygen) and always store hemp oil in the refrigerator, use quickly, and never heat.

Is it Illegal?

In short, no. The Latin name Cannabis sativa actually translates as 'useful hemp'!

The confusion and concern often arises due to the fact that hemp seed/oil is derived from the plant Cannabis sativa, which is often incorrectly linked to the psychoactive substance, marijuana. The psychoactive ingredient of marijuana is the chemical THC, however the quantities of THC in hemp oil are so small that they are regarded as insignificant. In fact, for commercial hemp oil products to comply with Government regulations, they must contain less than 10ppm THC, which is very, very little. However, in the majority of products absolutely none can be detected. It would be almost impossible for this level of THC intake to measure even close to illegal levels during a drug urine test.

Although the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced a worldwide ban on the sale of all hemp based foods and oils in 2001, this decision was condemned as illegal in 2004 following a successful appeal to the Ninth US Circuit Court of Appeals in San Fransisco.

Omega Oil is an essential resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the health benefits of omega3 and omega6 essential fatty acids.

Resources include articles, guides, definitions, recipes, news and research. As a non-commercial site, the facts and opinions expressed are entirely non-biased!

---

YARROW TEA (Achillea Millefolium)

An amazing tea that can help with colds and flu, and also help you see in pure colour. Yarrow has an ancient history. The generic name comes... Read More

Hypertension, An Alternative Approach

For many years high blood pressure has been defined based upon actuarial tables prepared by life insurance companies. By that definition, blood pressure of 140/90 is borderline... Read More

Just The Tea FAQs: Health Benefits (Part I)

Hands up all those who can't get through the day without their shots of coffee... ah, that's most of us then! Call it an espresso, cappuccino or... Read More

Inflammatory Arthritis: Alternative Treatments

There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can be treated naturally without drugs. Inflammatory arthritis' symptoms (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis) are... Read More

Test Your Indoor Air Quality!

How safe is your Indoor Air?1) Does your home have carpeting?* Carpeting captures dust, dirt, chemicals and everything we track in from the outdoors. Carpeting also outgases... Read More

Radical Healing

This title to a book by Rudolph Ballentine deserves more thought than we might give it. The book deserves more thought than I will give it too.... Read More

The Secret Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been used for thousands of years for a variety of healing purposes. In fact, there are references to it in the Bible... Read More

Healing the Body & Mind ? The Karma of Health

Within each one of us resides the divine healer. All healings come from within and not outside. Once the healer within is set in motion the healing... Read More

The Many Uses of Mint

There are many varieties of mint plants. If you want to brew tea, you go Swiss mint, apple mint or variegated peppermint. To flavor up your cooking,... Read More

All About Bad Breath, its Symptoms & Prevention

Bad breath (or halitosis medical term root from Latin) can be a serious handicap on your social or business life. It is a source of embarrassment and... Read More

Moles, Warts & Skin Tags Remedy

Are you worried about your moles, warts, and skin tags? Are scared about the idea of removing them surgically using laser, knife or some acid?Moles and warts... Read More

Alzheimer?s Home Testing Manual Now Available Online

If you're concerned about the condition of an older family member or loved one, you are likely asking yourself: "I know there's something wrong. Could it be... Read More

Genital Herpes - Natural and Alternative Treatment Remedies

Modern medical science has not been able to produce a cure for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and can only offer pharmaceutical solutions that help ease the... Read More

Fibromyalgia Pain: How Using Visualizations May Bring You Relief

There are many theories about what causes fibromyalgia. One is that it's due to an overly stimulated sympathetic nervous system. Here's some background on that system and... Read More

Herbe Fraiche Essential Oil : A Combination of Forest Essences

Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex blended from plant substances such as pine, thyme and mint. The refreshing plant fragrance induces a calming... Read More

Empowering Ourselves with the New Energy Dynamic

The chakras are an important part of our energy anatomy. Ideally we would like to feel that all of the chakras in our body are fully functioning.... Read More

Toxic Plastic Water Bottles

I recently received a question from one of my readers about the safety of drinking water from clear plastic water bottles. These bottles, made from Lexan polycarbonate... Read More

Your Body?s Secret Wisdom-- Eating from the Tree of Life

Your body's secret wisdom is as ancient as humankind and encoded in every cell. It knows the perfect food for you to eat at any point in... Read More

Love, Appreciation, and the Heart

As I started to write this article a few words from a song kept running through my head "all you need is love..." This month we will... Read More

The Safety of Natural Therapies

Just because something is labeled or deemed "natural' does not mean it comes without risk! Anytime you introduce another substance into your body, whether it be by... Read More

Jesus Diet - Lifestyle Changes That Will Boost Your Energy

Drawing on the inspiration of loaves, fish, and wine, a doctor from Florida has published a self-help manual called "What would Jesus Eat?". After the launch of... Read More

The Future of Healing...

Your FUTURE is NOT in a doctor's office or a vial of prescription drugs.Western medicine has done a wonderful job in treating our symptoms and masking the... Read More

Some Tips on Stopping Smoking

Are you looking for tips on stopping smoking? And would you like to know what are some ways to help quit? Now let me remind you that... Read More

Can We Sleep For Three Hours and Still Function Normally?

Polyphasic sleep - also known as *Uberman's Sleep Schedule*, consists of six daily naps taken every four hours instead of one long sleep every night (monophasic sleep)The... Read More

Holistic Medicine

Holistic Medicine involves natural treatment options like holistic nutrition, herbology, environmental medicine, energy work, mind-body medicine, anatomy, and many other holistic medicine practices.Holistic medicine allows an individual... Read More

Know About the All Purpose Holistic Medicine

Understanding what holistic medicine is:Holistic Medicine is a wellness-based approach to medicine. It emphasizes the need to look at the whole person, including analysis of physical, nutritional,... Read More