What is Hemp Seed Extract?
As time goes on, we see a steady series of improvements in the medicine and healthcare products available to us. One of these is hemp seed extract. Surprisingly, this all natural oil has been around for centuries but it was caught up in some very unusual legal quandaries. Becoming banned in 1937 simply due to the fact that it bore some similarities to marijuana, hemp was actually used for several useful applications ranging from medicinal to industrial.
The hemp crops were used to create rope, textiles, construction materials, In fact, even the classic levis jeans used to be made from hemp — and samples of the material survive even to this day. Due to the weak argument that led to it being outlawed and its broad variety of uses, some believe it was through lobbying on behalf of certain industries that caused the ban - such as cotton and tobacco.
Now that the legalization of this useful crop is occurring on a large scale, people are rediscovering its countless valuable uses. At this time, all hemp crops are non-GMO default - no artificially modified species of the plant exist. This isn’t surprising, as the seeds themselves are highly packed in naturally occurring oils and the rest of the plant is used for other means of production.
How The Extract Is Produced
In order to ensure that the extract harvested from the seeds is as pure as possible and does not contain any potential THC, the seeds are sorted out from any other plant matter and gently cleaned. The next step involves cold pressing the hemp seeds to force the oil out. The hemp seeds yield high quantities of oil in the expelling process, as 49% of their weight is edible oil. To put this into perspective, olives are only 20 to 30% oil.
The Expelled oil is very thick and green, due to the remaining matter from the seed. It is in this stage that it still retains some flavoring. It is then refined and filtered further until it is transparent and thinner. By the completion of the process, the hemp seed extract will have had the bulk of any excess water or remaining seed matter removed.
What Is In Hemp Seed Extract
Hemp seed extracts are rich in essential fatty acids, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6. It also contains the following vital nutrients:
- Arginine
- Calcium
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
It is also notable that hemp seed extract is extremely high in nutritional iron, which can be helpful during recovery from injuries, anemia, or during menstruation.
Medicinal Uses For Hemp Extract
There is a lot of exciting research and recent discoveries surrounding hemp seed extract. In fact, one could fill an entire book with its potential benefits and uses. Let’s look at some of the most common uses instead.
- Depression and Anxiety: Certain compounds within hemp oil bind to neuroreceptors in a way that is similar to your body’s natural serotonin. This is one of the many “feel good” chemicals and causes a positive chain reaction to help uplift your mood.
- Heart Healthy: The fatty acids and Arginine within hemp oil promote cardiovascular health.
- Combating Addiction: New research indicates that hemp extract’s effects on neuroreceptors can help not only counteract THC but to counter the addictive effects of various drugs which are part of the American drug epidemic including heroin and other opiates.
- Skin Health: Hemp Oil is rich in oleic and linoleic acids which the body cannot produce on its own. These acids, which are vital to dermatological health, can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and bring back a youthful glow. Additionally, applying the Vitamin-E-rich oil directly to your skin and stimulate blood flow.
As hemp seed extract grows in popularity and it makes it way into people's hands - and their new favorite products - consumers are finding a powerful tool when it comes to wellness. With this wide variety of uses, try a hemp seed extract product firsthand and see what they’re raving about.