Hemp seed oil is said to be nature's most perfectly balanced Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) oil. It contains Omega-3 (linoleic acid) and Omega-6 (Alpha-linolenic acid) EFAs in the best proportions for human nutritional needs (a 3:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3). This ratio is very important for continuous, long-term use. (Other EFAs can contain up to four times as much Omega-3 as Omega-6 fatty acids and may cause deficiencies and imbalances in fatty acid production.) It also contains Omega-9 fatty acids.
Hemp seed oil is the only high EFA oil to also contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA has positive effects on the liver as well and blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHA) production - a contributing factor in baldness. Hemp oil contains the highest amount of the polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids and is low in saturated fatty acids. Hemp seed's competitor, flax seed oil, contains a slightly lower combined total of essential fatty acids.
Benefits of Hemp Seed - Trace Minerals, Protein, Amino Acids, Skin, Hair
In addition to its ideal balance of Omega 3 and 6, it has a huge trace mineral content. Hempseed is a complete vegetable protein that has nine essential amino acids and features a high amount of methionine and cystine, two sulfur-containing amino acids. As a matter of fact, its protein value rivals that of soy. Vegetarians like Hemp oil, as the other obvious place to gain a powerful EFA ratio is in fish oil, and many cannot tolerate the taste of fish oil.
Other benefits of hemp seed oil include its nourishing effect on the skin and the hair. Studies show that skin conditions like eczema also improve with the topical application of oil.
Like flax, the benefits of EFAs in hemp oil include lubricating the colon and restoring healthy metabolism. It is an excellent supplement for encouraging weight loss, as it reduces the appetite by keeping you feel satiated longer and lowering blood sugar. EFAs are useful in the treatment high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, Alzheimer's, diabetes, arthritis, and inflammatory conditions.