Hemp Is Good for Your Skin

Image Credit: Pexels

What is Hemp?

Hemp is probably the oldest crop used in human civilization. It has been used as rope as early as ten thousand years ago. Later it was applied in textiles, food, and other products.

Extensive research has found many benefits of hemp on human health as well. Despite its widespread use and versatile applications, hemp started to gain notoriety in the 1930s.

Hemp is one species of cannabis that makes it a part of the same botanical family as weed is part of. However, hemp only has trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component found in weed, so it doesn’t give the same distinctive high commonly associated with marijuana.

Unfortunately, the two plants were grouped together under the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937. As a result of the heavy tax laws, the hemp industry suffered greatly. Things took a turn for the worse when the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 effectively declared hemp an illegal substance.

As marijuana legalization starts to spread, it is important for everyone to reevaluate their views on its botanical sibling, hemp, and learn more about its many positive applications on health. Here are four reasons the oil and seeds of hemp are good for your skin, hair, and nails.

Hemp

Image Credit: Unsplash

#1. Rich in Omega 6

 Hemp seeds are packed with essential fatty acids; in fact, it has an excellent 3:1 ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Fatty acids have been well-known to affect immune responses in your body. As a result, they can be used to treat various skin conditions like skin itching and dryness.

In addition, studies have shown that hemp seed oil improves the skin health of people suffering from eczema and provides relief from the different symptoms of this disease. Omega fatty acids are also important building blocks for the skin so they can keep the skin smooth, soft, and moisturized.

Hemp oil can be easily included in your daily skin routine because it works with most skin types. Use it to balance out oily skin, or if you have dry skin, you can apply it for its moisturizing effects. (See also: The Low Fat, Omega-3 Filled Japanese Diet!)

#2. Good Source of Protein

Hemp has a very high nutrition value. In addition to being rich in essential fatty acids like omega 6, it is a good source of protein. Over 25 percent of the total calorie content in hemp is derived from high-quality plant-based protein.

That value is much higher than that of other nutritious seeds, like chia and flax seeds, which only offer somewhere between 16 percent to 18 percent. Your hair and nails are composed of protein, so you also need it if you want great skin and healthy hair.

Last but not the least, your body needs to protein to build and repair issues. This is why people who exercise include a good amount of protein into their diet so they can build muscles and improve strength.

#3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals

 Your body cannot function optimally if you do not get the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Hemp is rich in vitamins like C, B, A, and E. It also contains magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

As a good source of vitamin E, hemp can give you benefits like improved immunity and healthy skin. Vitamin E is necessary for your body’s production of collagen, the protein that maintains skin elasticity.

Vitamin E is also popular for being an antioxidant, which protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals have been linked to cell damage and aging. Vitamin E is also a good treatment for dry and cracked nails. (See also: 5 Mistakes When Taking Hair Growth Vitamins and Supplements)

#4. High in GLA

Do you hate those acne breakouts you get right before you have your period? The solution you need may be found in hemp. Hemp is a good source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which has been seen to have positive effects in treating PMS symptoms.

Premenstrual syndrome affects many women, and one of the possible causes of PMS symptoms is the body’s sensitivity to the hormone prolactin. GLA produces prostaglandin E1, which is effective in lowering the effects of prolactin on the body, so it helps regulate hormone imbalances associated with PMS and even menopause.

Keep in mind that, although the THC levels of hemp are significantly low, that can still be detected in drug tests. Make sure you get only your hemp products from legitimate sellers so you are sure that they are compliant with state laws.

Furthermore, drug laws in workplaces vary across states, so it is important that you stay informed about the policies in your company.

About The Author:

Devin Yirka is the Production Assistant at Testclear, a drug testing advisor and online seller of home drug testing kits. He occasionally writes for Testclear about drug testing and other related topics.

Love to Share