Hemp seed oil information and facts
In spite of its reputation, the hemp plant is an excellent source of many helpful as well as healthy products. Because its cannabis cousin has been long known for its recreational drug uses, industrial hemp has gotten a bad name. This versatile plant has many uses however, and its seeds are considered one of the most nutritionally complete foods in the world. Hemp seeds are used in a wide variety of food products, including grain and meal, milk and tea. Some manufactured foods include cereals, tofu and nut butters. However, it is the hemp seed oil that is credited with both versatility and high levels of nutrition.
Hemp seed oil is produced by pressing the seeds of the plant and contains none of the psychoactive chemicals associated with the hemp plant. Unrefined hemp seed oil can vary in shades of darkness and usually has a nutty flavor. Over the years, many advocates have come forward to comment on the benefits of consuming hemp seed oil. Because hemp seeds contain both essential amino acids as well as essential fatty acids, many believe drinking hemp seed oil could make a difference in decreasing inflammatory disease as well as heart disease.
While unrefined hemp seed oil remains highly versatile as a food source, refined oil has many uses as well. With most of its vitamins and other nutrients removed in the refining process, the oil is used various industries. Some products include paints, plastics and lubricants. Refined hemp seed oil is also widely used in the cosmetics industry, mainly in the production of shampoos and soaps as well as detergents. Another use being studied is a bio diesel fuel, with high hopes for its utilization. Manufacturers continue to stress that any possible THC is thoroughly removed during the refining process, and since hemp seeds have little to none of this chemical, there is no chance of it being present in manufactured products.
The hemp plant has so many versatile uses. As more people turn to natural super foods for their nutrition, hemp seed oil continues to see a rise in popularity. Whether using it in its unrefined state as a source of healthy vitamins and essential amino and fatty acids, or using the many products that can be made in its refined state, hemp seed oil is fast overcoming its earlier reputation to become one of the new super foods of this century.