Hemp oil has made a name for itself as one of the healthiest cooking oils. But what is really in it? And how does it work?
In addition to olive and flaxseed oil, hemp seed oil – colloquially known as hemp oil – has been found on supermarket shelves for some time. But it is not only there that it enriches the repertoire of healthy oils. Wherever you listen: The special oil is hyped, praised, and sometimes even called a small miracle cure. But what is really to it? And what is the difference between hemp oil and CBD oil?
Together with our experts, we clarify all the important questions about hemp oil and also give you valuable tips on how you can use it.
Tip: Hemp oil for cooking is available at avocado store (12,99 €) or at amazon.de. (from 14,90 €)
What are the properties of hemp oil?
Hemp oil is a high-quality vegetable oil cold-pressed from hemp seeds with a slightly nutty taste and greenish color. Like most vegetable fats, it consists mostly of fatty acids (about 75 percent). The healthy composition and benefits of hemp seed oil have long been documented in studies.
Outstandingly healthy, hempseed oil has a special composition of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio of 3:1. In almost all other vegetable oils, the omega-6 content predominates. “Like all oils with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, hemp oil should not be heated strongly so that vitamins and important ingredients are not destroyed,” advises Miriam Szygula from the food manufacturer Alnatura.
Can you get “high” from hemp oil?
The answer is a clear No. “For the production of hemp oil as food, only hemp seeds are used that naturally contain no THC,” explains Szgula, “The hemp plant is an ancient cultivated plant. For food production today, hemp varieties are cultivated that only have a low content of less than 0.2 percent THC.”
How healthy is hemp oil?
Even though hemp oil is extremely healthy, you should be aware that you can’t alleviate illnesses solely with some hemp oil. What matters is the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio in your body, which is affected by your overall food intake. But this is exactly where hemp oil shines. Thus, it rightly grabs the title of one of the healthiest cooking oils.
Especially the essential omega-3 fatty acids alleviate inflammatory processes, are part of the cell membrane and thus support brain function, are needed for hormone production, and regulate blood lipid levels and cholesterol, which is why hemp oil also protects against heart disease according to studies. Omega-3 fatty acids are also involved in the formation of the body’s defense cells and affect metabolism.
Some of these positive properties are mainly due to the gamma-linolenic acid contained. It has a particularly anti-inflammatory effect and influences nerves, the brain, and blood pressure. A true all-around talent. In addition to the omega-3 surplus, hemp oil benefits from the low proportion of omega-6 fatty acids, which can even promote inflammation according to UrbanMatter.
What is hemp oil good for?
Thanks to its many valuable ingredients, hemp oil supports the whole organism. Even though it is often hyped as a miracle or panacea, it is ultimately “just” an edible oil with particularly promising nutrients and not a medicine with medically proven effects. Nevertheless, the right nutrients also ensure a greater sense of well-being, better health, and a strong body. This is especially true for the fatty acids contained in hemp oil, which support the organism positively in many ways.
Hemp oil for the skin
One could almost claim that hemp oil is a small beauty elixir. Because with eczema, impurities psoriasis, or neurodermatitis it can work true miracles. The healthy fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect and act like a protective film on the skin so that hemp oil can quickly make dry skin supple again. By the way, this applies to both external use and regular consumption.
