The hemp plant is one of the planet’s oldest cultivated crops, no doubt due to its multidimensional purposes and potential benefits, including those purported to support our holistic health and well-being. Such ‘plant power’ has gained increasing popularity in recent years, as society transitions towards more natural and sustainable living, causing us to make more conscious decisions about what we put in our bodies.

With more and more people being eager to explore the potential benefits for themselves, the nutritional content of the hemp plant’s seeds has become worth its weight in gold in the eyes of many health and wellness enthusiasts. 

In this article, we will not only explore hemp seed oil’s nutritional content in more detail, but also suggest ways in which you can incorporate it into your diet to support your holistic health and well-being. So, come with us on our journey to discover the mysterious power of these tiny seeds! 

Hemp seed oil is an oil made purely from cold-pressing the small brown seeds of the hemp plant, allowing us to concentrate its wholesome goodness into an oil designed for dietary consumption. This oil’s main attraction is its nutrient-rich content, which includes a powerful display of essential Omega fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), vitamins, minerals, and otherwise potentially bioactive compounds, including antioxidants. 

The potent nutritious content of hemp seed oil leads to many beneficial uses, from intensive moisturising skincare to its potential to support cardiovascular health. Today, we will be exploring how its nutritional content works together to play its role in helping us to maintain a healthy, balanced, and nutritious diet to support our immune system, potentially impact symptoms of inflammation, and fuel our well-being.    

With so many terms in the industry, it can often be tricky for newbies to discover the right product for their needs. One of the most fundamental things to educate yourself on before purchasing a hemp-derived oil is the difference between hemp seed oil and CBD oil. 

On the surface, these appear as though they would be easy to differentiate between. However, this is often not the case, due to the cunning use of the term “hemp oil”. Confusing as it may seem, the term “hemp oil” can refer to either hemp seed oil or CBD oil, as they both derive from the hemp plant.

The issue here is that hemp seed oil and CBD oil carry very different potential benefits, and so the two oils usually have equally different purchase intents behind them. Therefore, understanding the hemp-based products available on the market will empower you to choose which oil is most appropriate for your needs.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD AND HEMP SEED OIL?

CBD oil has become a highly-sought-after oil amongst health and well-being enthusiasts, and indeed now the broader public, for its diverse set of purported health benefits. Whilst hemp seed oil is also generally popular amongst the same crowd; it is not reported to possess such potential therapeutic benefits. Rather, it is a rich, nutritious oil for holistic uses, including for our health, hair, diet, and skin.  

So, where do these differences arise? The answer lies in the abundant wonders of the hemp plant. CBD oil obtains its phytocannabinoids and bioactive compounds from the hemp plant’s cannabinoid-rich buds, leaves, and stems.

On the other hand, hemp seed oil seeks only the small seeds of the hemp plant. For this reason, hemp seed oil contains no cannabinoids (or only has them in trace amounts), which explains its lack of potential therapeutic benefits.

Instead, by cold-pressing the seeds of the hemp plant, we are able to bottle its diverse nutritious content, which includes vitamins (vitamins A, some B vitamins, C and E) and minerals, essential Omega fatty acids (Omega-3 and Omega-6), and antioxidants.

Despite the onslaught of the latest diet trends, nutrition is so much more than losing weight. Nutrition plays a massive role in our health and quality of life. In fact, it affects every cell and organ in our body, meaning it has the potential to impact everything from our physical performance to our brain function.

So, when we discuss “diets,” we consider this to be a lifestyle in which we listen to our body and deliver it with the stripped back, natural goodness of nutrients it needs as fuel for energy and to benefit our health.  

When our bodies do not receive the nutrients they need, it is called malnutrition. Research has also shown long-term malnutrition to be linked to severe diseases and chronic health conditions, such as increasing the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. 

Conversely, healthy eating and good nutrition can also be preventative, significantly lowering your chances of developing some of the world’s leading killers, including heart disease and cancer.

Nutrients can be divided into two categories; macronutrients and micronutrients. Exploring these will help us later in understanding the role hemp seed oil may play in delivering us with the nutrients required to lead a healthy lifestyle.

MACRONUTRIENTS
Macronutrients refer to carbohydrates, protein, and fats. These types of nutrients are required in relatively large amounts, as they deliver the body with the calories necessary to fuel the body with energy and various other bodily functions. The amount of macronutrients you require depends on individual lifestyle and goals, and is impacted by special dietary requirements and preferences, such as being vegan or vegetarian. 

MICRONUTRIENTS
Micronutrients refer to essential vitamins and minerals, and are required in smaller amounts than macronutrients. Common micronutrients include magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins, all of which possess unique benefits for the body. Vitamins and minerals are considered “essential” nutrients, as they perform hundreds of bodily functions, from healing wounds and strengthening the immune system to converting food into energy. 

As the body does not naturally produce micronutrients, we are required to consume them through our diet in order to maintain good health. The amount of micronutrients you require is to be calculated on an individual basis.

For example, vegans and vegetarians will often need to supplement their diet with daily supplements in order to receive the micronutrients required by the body that would otherwise be consumed through animal products. Because of the diverse set of micronutrients found in hemp seed oil, it is widely considered a fantastic plant-based supplement for vegans and vegetarians to incorporate into their diet for efficient consumption.   

In order to achieve optimal health, alongside good nutrition, other healthy habits must also be adopted, such as engaging in regular exercise and restful sleep, which has been shown to have equal importance as nutrition in reducing the risk of disease and maintaining weight control. Other elements of holistic health include maintaining good hydration and minimising feelings of stress, which, when experienced long-term, is often linked to many health issues. 

Whilst finding ways to receive all the nutrients your body needs may seem overwhelming, it is made easy by making some small changes, such as incorporating hemp seed oil into your diet. This will provide your body with a host of essential nutrients, possibly helping you to feel the many potential benefits of leading a healthier, more nutritious lifestyle. 

Hemp seed oil is a melting pot of nutrients. But, before we can hope to understand how this plant-based oil may help us to lead a potentially healthier lifestyle, we must dissect the individual elements the oil contains. Therefore, next, we will cover some of the hemp plant’s most prominent and potentially beneficial elements in more detail.

HEMP SEED OIL’S VITAMIN CONTENT 
From A to K, all vitamins play an essential role in our body’s organs and cells. Hemp seed oil is also a great source of vitamins, including B Vitamins (especially B6), Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.

For example, Vitamin C is known involved in many functions, including potentially affecting the body’s immunity and the development, growth, and repair of body tissues. Beyond this, Vitamin C is also involved in iron absorption, collagen formation, and the maintenance of bones, cartilage, and teeth.

On the other hand, Vitamin E helps to ward off infection by acting as the body’s ‘shield’ and also contributing to the production of healthy, glowing skin. This makes hemp seed oil an effective and efficient way of consuming more vitamins in your diet to potentially improve your overall well-being. 

HEMP SEED OIL’S MINERAL CONTENT 
Hemp seed oil contains a unique mineral content, including magnesium, calcium, iron, and fibre. 

Magnesium
A less reported gem of hemp seed oil is its magnesium content. Magnesium is a chemical element that plays a vital role in your body’s enzymatic reactions. These enzymatic reactions include the process of metabolism, allowing the body to break down and synthesise proteins and fatty acids. Magnesium is also involved in energy production, potentially reducing symptoms of inflammation, and possibly muscle relaxation through supporting nerve and muscle function. 

When magnesium is combined with Vitamin B6, it is anecdotally purported to increase its efficacy in potentially helping to alleviate some of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including bloating, breast tenderness, insomnia, weight gain, and leg swelling. 

Magnesium has also been linked to heart health, possibly helping to regulate the heartbeat and potentially prevent coronary heart disease. When the body is deficient in magnesium, it has been reportedly linked to health issues, including symptoms of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, osteoporosis, and coronary heart disease.     

Calcium
Hemp seed oil’s calcium content is another potential key benefit of consuming the oil as part of your daily nutrition. Calcium is famous for its structural role in healthy bones and teeth, as well as being an essential mineral for our muscles, heart, and nervous system.

Iron
Iron plays a vital role in maintaining human health, largely through its aiding production of red blood cells. As well as carrying oxygen in the blood, iron is also known for benefits such as improving the immune system and brain function. Therefore, by consuming hemp seed oil, we may help raise our iron levels, potentially boosting energy and focus. 

Fibre
Hemp seed oil is an excellent source of dietary fibre, purported to promote digestive health, containing approximately 1.2 g of fibre in three tablespoons of hemp seeds. Fibre is a vital element in our diet, as it may help with weight management, reduce our appetite, promote gut health, and stabilise blood sugar levels.

For this reason, the plant-based oil is also known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. These studies have provided evidence to support the notion that it may help reduce the risk of symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease and impact symptoms of other various conditions that may form in the gut. 

We tend to hear the word “fats” and run, but (unfortunately for some fats) they are entirely misunderstood. That is because there is such a thing as healthy fats - yes, you heard us! In fact, fats are one of the ways in which the body sources essential fatty acids. This is invaluable to the body, as we are naturally unable to produce essential fatty acids ourselves. Therefore, it is necessary to source these externally, through the foods we eat, or via supplements such as hemp seed oil.

Hemp seed oil has been found to have the ‘perfect’ 3:1 ratio of fatty acids for optimal consumption, which is often lacking in our diets. As a concentrated source of essential fatty acids, including Omega-3 and Omega-6, hemp seed oil is thought by many to be a fantastic substitute for those who do not consume fish or eggs, which are also a great source of healthy fats. For this reason, hemp seed oil is known to potentially help maintain healthy cholesterol levels, regulate the body’s metabolism, support the function of the immune system, and supplement our cognitive health. 

Specifically speaking, gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) is a fatty acid within Omega-6 found in hemp seed oil in rich supply. GLA is reported to have potential anti-inflammatory effects on the body, which have been likened to those of drugs such as ibuprofen. In fact, a study investigating the possible effects of GLA on rheumatoid arthritis reported a reduction in pain in over 75% of participants after 12 months of receiving 2.8 g of GLA daily.

It is reported that there is 9.46 g of protein in 30 g of hemp seeds (approximately equivalent to 3 tablespoons). These protein-packed seeds are also a complete source of all nine essential amino acids.

As essential amino acids, the building blocks of protein, cannot be naturally produced by the body, we are led to source essential amino acids through our diet for absorption, such as in hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil is incredibly rare in its amino acid content, as very few plant-based foods hold the title of being a complete source of the essential amino acids, and so is an invaluable addition to the diets of vegans and vegetarians in particular.  

One amino acid found in significant quantities in hemp seed oil is arginine. Arginine is an amino acid known to produce nitric oxide, which has been found to potentially improve heart health by reducing blood pressure. This is complemented by studies connecting hemp seed oil to the possibility of helping to maintain heart health. These studies have provided evidence concerning its potential effectiveness when it comes to lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, adding to the potential benefits of consuming hemp seed oil.

HEMP SEED OIL’S POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANTS
In addition to its many minerals and vitamins and other nutritional values, hemp seed oil is also full of natural antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect our body’s cells from free radicals. So, antioxidant-rich foods and supplements (such as hemp seed oil) are purported to potentially help reduce the risk of certain diseases. 

The antioxidants found in hemp seed oil include phenolic compounds, phytosterols, and tocopherols. These are purported to reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, as well as playing a role in lipid metabolism, immunomodulatory effects, cardiovascular health, impacting symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders and of dermatological diseases.  

As well as hemp seed oil’s unique nutritional content, it can also make a delicious addition to many meals, snacks, and baked goods. In fact, it is not a rare occurence to find hemp seed oil’s nutritional and bioactive content being utilised in specialist foods to potentially enhance and develop their own nutritional content, including snack bars, yoghurts, and baked goods. By maintaining a healthy diet supplemented with nutrient-rich hemp seed oil, you may positively improve your overall health and well-being.   

WAYS TO ENJOY RAW HEMP SEED OIL
To benefit from hemp seed oil’s nutritional content, many choose to consume the oil raw. This can be done by either consuming hemp seed oil as an oral supplement, or by infusing it with your meal or beverage. In fact, hemp seed oil is often used as a nutritious and tasty replacement for olive oil, and is known to provide food with a distinctive nutty flavour. Popular ways to consume hemp seed oil raw include using it as a tasty dip, or to drizzle over salads, and even infused into beverages such as smoothies. 

The potential benefit of consuming hemp seed oil raw is that it maintains all of its natural nutrients. This allows its vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants to be absorbed and used by the body to maintain health as part of a balanced diet.

COOKING WITH HEMP SEED OIL
When cooking with hemp seed oil, it is best to maintain a low temperature. However, it can withstand being cooked for up to 30 minutes at temperatures up to approximately 240°C. High heat can break down and destroy many of the hemp seeds’ beneficial compounds, significantly harming its nutritional content. For the best chances of ensuring all of its nutritional contents are maintained, it is typically best to use hemp seed oil raw as a food supplement.   

Our body requires the macro and micronutrients present in hemp seed oil daily in order to maintain good health. However, it’s not always possible or realistic to incorporate hemp seed oil into your meals on a daily basis. For this reason, hemp seed oil capsules offer an excellent alternative, which allows you to potentially benefit from its nutritional content effortlessly - no meal planning required.  

Here at CBII, we have formulated our range of premium Feel Good Hemp Seed Oil Capsules. These high-quality capsules include both premium hemp seed oil and vitamins and minerals expertly selected for optimal results, designed to suit a range of lifestyles and individual goals.   

WELLNESS PURE HEMP SEED CAPSULES
Our Wellness capsules contain premium, pure hemp seed oil. The natural content of high-quality hemp seeds means this oil naturally contains essential fatty acids and Vitamin D3. These capsules' content may potentially help to invigorate energy levels and allow you to benefit from all the natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants hemp seed oil has to offer. These capsules are perfect for those wishing to try hemp seed oil for the first time. 

GLOW HEMP SEED CAPSULES WITH VITAMIN E & B & C + ZINC
Building upon hemp seed oil's natural components, our Glow capsules help to potentially deliver your skin with year-round radiance. Rich in Omega, these capsules may help to revitalise the body and provide your skin with nourishment. This makes our Glow capsules perfect for those who are looking to flourish, inside and out. 

VITALITY HEMP SEED CAPSULES WITH VITAMIN B & C
If you’re looking for hemp seed oil with an added boost, why not try our Vitality capsules?  Designed for those on the go, these capsules are purported to help increase energy levels, as well as potentially support adrenal health.

Hemp seed oil contains none of the hemp plant’s 113 known cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is the main active chemical found in marijuana and is the cause of the euphoric “high” sensation users receive from its intoxicating nature. As hemp seed oil is THC-free, you are able to consume it freely with no potential for intoxicating effects. 

All hemp-derived products are required to be extracted from approved strains of the hemp plant containing less than 0.2-0.3% THC, producing products below 1 mg THC in total, to be legally sold in the UK and most of Europe. This ensures all hemp-derived products are safe for consumption, making them popular amongst those wishing to potentially improve their holistic health and lifestyle whilst possessing no intoxicating powers.

When shopping for any hemp-derived product, being mindful of your source is of utmost importance. This is because of the rising popularity of the hemp industry, and curiosity amongst individuals seeking to improve their holistic health and well-being, has also led to the influx of low-quality hemp products, including those labelled as hemp seed oil. 

Low-quality hemp seed oil that is cheaply manufactured runs the risk of exposing consumers to inaccurately-reported contents, including higher than stated THC levels. As the chemical THC is not present in hemp seeds, this is often due to contamination issues.

A study conducted in 2017 investigated hemp seeds and THC, and found concentrations of THC to be 1,250% higher than the legal amount in some commercial brands of food-grade hemp seeds. This study consolidates the concerns surrounding low-quality hemp seed oil. It highlights the importance of purchasing hemp seed oil from trusted sources that can provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and carry out high-quality extraction methods during the manufacturing process.    

ALWAYS LOOK FOR THE COA
When shopping for any hemp-derived product, whether that is CBD or hemp seed oil, you should always ensure the product carries a Certificate of Analysis (COA). A COA is a vital accompaniment to products such as hemp seed oil. This is because it accurately reports the exact cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticides. This report is lab-tested by a third party, and therefore helps to identify whether a brand constitutes as a trusted source and is forthcoming about its ingredients.   

At CBII, we put our consumers’ safety first, providing only the highest-quality, premium hemp-derived products nature has to offer. To demonstrate this, all our products are third-party tested and carry a COA. And we don’t stop there- our commitment to producing premium products is made possible through our pure and gentle patented extraction methods, enabling us to deliver premium hemp seed oil that is transparent, traceable, and truthful. 

To excel in our role as leaders within the premium hemp industry, we continue to commit ourselves to research, and partner with experts in the field to ensure we provide access to only the safest and most effective hemp products. These practices allow us to deliver our consumers with peace of mind, allowing them to shop hemp-derived products with confidence.  

Hemp seed oil proves to be a rich, plant-based source of nutrition, including vitamins, minerals, essential essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants in its stellar line-up. Its inclusion of healthy unsaturated fats, protein, and fibre makes hemp seed oil an excellent substitute for vegetable oil when cooking and baking at low heat, or consuming raw.

With the purported potential to promote digestive and heart health, alongside the anecdotal support for it possibly helping alleviate and manage the symptoms of anxiety and chronic pain, hemp seed oil presents a solid case to be included in your daily nutrition. As the oil is created purely from the seeds of the hemp plant, it possesses none of the plant’s other exclusive plant matter, including THC, meaning you can supplement your nutrition naturally without being exposed to any of the original cannabis plant’s intoxicating potential.