For excellent taste and healthy heart. The principal product made from hemp seeds today is undoubtedly the oil. Purified or refined hemp seed oil is clear and colorless. There is not much flavor to hemp oil and it lacks natural vitamins and antioxidants. Refined hemp seed oil is primarily used in body care products. Industrial hempseed oil is used in fuel, paints, plastics etc. Hemp seed oil has is used in the production of some healthcare products. The hemp oil has a high nutritional value because its 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids, which matches the balance required by the human body.

Hemp oil is extracted from the hemp seeds by means of a press. The press consists of a slowly rotating worm-shaft that squeezes out the majority of the oil and separates off the remaining seed matter known as the seed cake. The whole process is done in an oxygen-free environment in order to reduce oxidation.

Further to its superb properties for cleansing and moisturizing the skin, hemp oil is also a nutritionist’s dream. Hemp oil is unique in its make up and rivals oils such as flax seed oil as a dietary supplement. It contains many of the Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) that the body requires for healthy day-to-day operation. These EFAs are present in the right ratio for optimum absorbance into the body.

It is also a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the main valued content of Evening Primrose Oil, which is believed to help pre-menstrual tension (PMT).

Hemp oil should be taken daily either in liquid or capsule form, it is a delicious nutty oil and is great in salad dressings or mayonnaise. Due to its precious fragile EFAs it should not be used for frying or cooking, however it can be poured over pasta to give extra flavour.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Hemp oil

Hemp oil represents a single source of all of the essential fatty and amino acids that are required for healthy human life. Hemp oil is derived from cannabis sativa seeds. A cold press method is used to press the oil from the seed without degenerating the nutrients in the oil.

EFAs

According to HempWorld.com, hemp oil contains 57 percent linoleic acid, also known as Omega-6, and 19 percent linolenic acid, also known as Omega-3. LA and LNA are essential fatty acids, which are required by the body yet cannot be produced within the body.

GLA

Hemp oil contains 1.7 percent gamma-linolenic acid, which promotes healthy hair, nails, and skin, in addition to reducing inflammation.

Benefits

According to RegenerativeNutrition.com, LA and LNA can help enhance growth, increase energy, promote healing, regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. According to HempWorld.com, Omega-3 may help reduce the risk of heart attack.

Value

One tablespoon of hemp oil contains approximately 120 calories and represents 22 percent daily value of total fat (1g saturated fat, 10g polyunsaturated fat, 3g monounsaturated fat). Hemp oil contains no cholesterol, carbohydrates, proteins, sodium or sugar.

Use

Hemp oil may be consumed in foods, such as dips and salad dressing, or taken as a supplement. Heat will reduce the nutritional benefits of hemp oil; therefore, it is not typically used in cooking.

Source: www.hemp.com